Vehicle Description
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Recreation of Chassis 917-005
Qualified Pole Position by Joe Siffert at the 1969 Spa 1000km
Raced by John Woolfe at the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours
4.5 liter Flat-12 engine
5-speed Manual Transmission
</font ="4">Stunning Longtail Configuration
The Porsche 917, unveiled in 1969, stands as a testament to
Porsche's commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsport.
The 917 has etched its name in the annals of racing history. It was
the first 917 to be raced as well as reaching pole position in its
first qualifier, piloted by Joe Siffert. Its next official race
would be shortly after at Le Mans in 1969 showcased its formidable
speed and reliability, earning Porsche their first overall victory
the next year in 1970-a feat it repeated again the following
year.
Beyond its racing accolades, the 917's cultural impact is
undeniable, especially after its starring role in Steve McQueen's
movie, "Le Mans." This car wasn't just about speed; it symbolized
power, engineering prowess, and a passion for racing.
Porsche's journey to create the 917 was marked by ambition and
innovation. While their earlier models, like the 904 Carrera GT,
906, and 908 had succeeded, they often fell behind giants like the
GT40 and Ferrari Prototypes. Porsche saw an opportunity with the
introduction of the 5-liter sports car class, known as Group 4.
They embarked on a bold venture to build 25 examples of a 5-liter
prototype, aiming for the World Sports Car Championship.
One of these was Porsche 917-005, a marvel of engineering. Drawing
inspiration from the 908, Porsche engineers crafted a lightweight
yet powerful race car. The chassis, made from aluminum instead of
steel, weighed a mere 93 lbs. The car's design ensured the driver
and the massive engine fit snugly within its compact frame. Every
aspect, from the double wishbone suspension system to the
titanium-made parts, was meticulously crafted for optimal
performance.
917-005 is more than just its technical specifications. It carries
a story-one of triumph, passion, and tragedy. British privateer
John Woolfe, the first customer of this automotive marvel, dreamed
of racing it at the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours. However, fate had other
plans. A tragic accident during the race claimed Woolfe's life,
marking a somber chapter in the 917-005's history.
Yet, the 917-005 legacy found revival when Porsche enthusiast Willi
Kauhsen took on the mission to recreate this iconic car. Using
parts directly purchased from Porsche and other 917 sources,
Kauhsen breathed new life into the memory of the 005, crafting an
exact replica that captured its original essence.
Today, the Porsche 917-005 stands as a symbol of the intertwined
nature of motorsport-where innovation meets passion and where
dreams are pursued at the very edge of speed and skill. It serves
as a poignant reminder of the stories and dreams carried by each
car, echoing the spirit of those who dared to push boundaries.
Historical Timeline:
4.21.1969 - FIA homologation presentation
5.11.1969 - Spa 1000km, Qualified Pole Position, Driven by Joe
Siffert
5.13.1969 - Le Mans Preparation
6.14.1969 - Le Mans 24h, Driven by Woolfe/Linge
