The Porsche 917 is a milestone in the history of motorsport and was introduced in 1969. With its revolutionary technology and distinctive design, it set new standards in racing. The Porsche 917 was built in the 914 and quickly became an icon on racetracks worldwide. Designed by Hans Mezger and Ferdinand Piëch, it impressed with its aerodynamic chassis and the exceptional performance of its 4.5-liter 12-cylinder boxer engine, delivering up to 580 horsepower. The 917 was based on its predecessor, the Porsche 908, and surpassed it in many ways, both in terms of performance and reliability.
In motorsport, the Porsche 917 was extremely successful and achieved numerous victories in prestigious races. It is particularly famous for its victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it clinched the overall win in 1970 and 1971. Drivers like Hans Herrmann, Richard Attwood, and Jacky Ickx are closely associated with the 917's successes. These wins cemented Porsche's reputation as a leading manufacturer in racing. The Porsche 917 also dominated in the CanAm series and showcased its performance on various racetracks worldwide.
The Porsche 917 was full of technical innovations. It featured a lightweight tubular frame chassis and a glass fiber reinforced plastic body, significantly reducing weight. The 917 was one of the first racing cars to actively utilize downforce to improve stability at high speeds. It also featured enhancements like an adjustable rear wing system. The engine was a 4.5-liter 12-cylinder boxer engine, which was later enlarged to 4.9 liters and eventually to 5.0 liters, resulting in a power increase to over 630 horsepower. The aerodynamic efficiency and high-tech components made the Porsche 917 one of the most advanced and fastest racing cars of its time.
The model of the Porsche 917 showcased here is a 1/43 scale model, manufactured by Spark Porsche Dealer Edition and is part of the collection of Modelly member porschepit. This model is produced in 1/43 scale, and the 917 replica is made of resin, a material known for its lightweight and detail accuracy. The painting of the model is an accurate replica of the original, with a white base coat and red accents at the front. Numerous fine details can be observed, including the sponsor decals of Shell and BOSCH placed on the fenders and sides of the car.
The model car stands out for its detailed and precise craftsmanship. The carefully replicated white and red livery with race number 30 is particularly striking. The shape of the model showcases the distinctive and aerodynamic lines of the original. In addition, the sponsor decals of Shell and BOSCH are clearly visible. The detailed interior as well as the gold accents on the roof window and taillights demonstrate the care and attention to detail that Spark Porsche Dealer Edition has put into this model. This 1/43 scale model is an absolute highlight for any miniature and Porsche collector.