The Porsche 917 is a legendary sports prototype race car that played a significant role in Porsche's motorsport history. Introduced in the late 1960s, the 917 achieved fame for its dominance in endurance racing, particularly winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971.Key points about the Porsche 917:1. **Development**: The development of the Porsche 917 was initiated to comply with the FIA's (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) new regulations for the World Sportscar Championship, which required the production of at least 25 identical cars for homologation.2. **Introduction and Early Struggles**: The 917 made its debut in 1969. Initially, it faced challenges, including handling issues and aerodynamic instability at high speeds. These issues were addressed through further development.3. **Domination at Le Mans**: The 917 achieved its most significant success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1970, the Porsche 917, specifically the 917K (short tail) variant, secured the overall victory at Le Mans with drivers Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood. The car's aerodynamics and powerful engine contributed to its success.4. **Porsche 917 Long Tail**: The "long tail" version of the 917, officially known as the 917 LH (Langheck), was developed to address aerodynamic concerns. The extended tail provided improved stability at high speeds, making it particularly effective on tracks with long straights.5. **Porsche 917/30**: The 917 platform was further developed into the Porsche 917/30, a variant specifically designed for the Can-Am series. The 917/30 was an incredibly powerful car, featuring a twin-turbocharged flat-12 engine. It dominated the Can-Am series in the early 1970s.6. **Engine and Performance**: The Porsche 917 was powered by a flat-12 engine, which was later turbocharged for the 917/30. The car's performance, especially its top speed and acceleration, made it a formidable competitor.7. **Le Mans 1971**: In 1971, the 917 achieved another Le Mans victory, this time with the iconic red and white Salzburg livery. The team of drivers included Gijs van Lennep and Helmut Marko.8. **Legacy**: The Porsche 917 is considered one of the greatest race cars of all time. Its success at Le Mans and in other endurance races cemented its place in motorsport history. The car's aerodynamic innovations and powerful engine influenced future sports car design.9. **Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" Film**: The Porsche 917 gained additional fame through its appearance in the film "Le Mans" (1971), starring Steve McQueen. The iconic Gulf Racing livery used in the film is closely associated with the Porsche 917.10. **Limited Production**: While the 917 was developed for racing, Porsche produced a limited number of road-legal versions to meet homologation requirements.The Porsche 917's achievements on the track, its innovative design, and its dominance in endurance racing have solidified its status as an iconic race car. The car's success at Le Mans remains a significant chapter in Porsche's motorsport history, contributing to the brand's legacy in high-performance racing.
Measures 17 x 12.
Aluminum.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.