t's been 40 years since Porsche debuted the 917 back at the Geneva auto show in 1969. Imagine walking the halls of the show back then? It must have been quite a time, where the glamor was real and not manufactured. The 917 was a race car Porsche developed after the FIA expanded rules for the construction of racing vehicles. It came with a 4.5 liter engine with 520 hp and more than a few funky twists from the era. The 12 cylinders were horizontal and the tilted crankshaft turned the power plant into a 180-degree V engine. In those days, they tried everything.

The car made its racing debut in August 1969 and by the 1970 racing season had taken the Racing Series World Championship at such exotic, Elvis-movie locales as Daytona, Monza, Spa and Le Mans. When the European FIA rules for 5.0 liter racers expired in 1971, Porsche sent the model to race in North America at the CanAm Challenge Cup with the Penske racing team winning the 1972 series with the 917/10 Spyder turbo-charged up to 1000 hp. Porsche even went on to build a 1400 hp version of 917.

In these dire times, a little nostalgia for the romance of old is a forgivable indulgence. The days when cars that rattled and hummed, that were not quite as scientifically pieced together as they are today, roamed the roads and roared on the race tracks with soul.

 

Thanks DJ - This is my favorite Porsche and this pic is my new wallpaper.

 

^^^ Mine as well

 

^^^^^^
One of the best pics I have seen in a while. I especially like the 917K in Gulf Livery and the awesome 917/30KL Spyder on the far left, which is extremely rare and almost impossible to see in person. I realize these cars are priceless treasures, but I (selfishly) would love to see more of them in more vintage racing events. Especially the 917/30.

 

2nd on the wall paper... digging that pink/white 944 turbo cup car in the back!

 

Absolutely incredible car. That first shot is simply epic. Does anyone have an update from that guy who was restoring one out in Cali?

 

I wish they would have put out a limited edition GT3 commemorating the anniversary.
Factory livery of 917's painted on it, like the "pink pig", gulf, martini, sunoco or the green & purple hippie car.

 

That would of been awesome. Someone with some p-shop skills needs to get on that.

 

Fan-freaking-tastic idea! I'd reserve the "pink pig" livery for a Panamera though.

 

I'd love to see one done like that!