The Porsche 917 is one of the most famous and successful racing cars in history. Its development in 1968 signaled Porsche's rise to a dominant force in international motorsport. The 917 was designed by the brilliant engineer Hans Mezger and a talented team of engineers led by Ferdinand Piëch. It featured a revolutionary construction with a lightweight aluminum tubular frame and an air-cooled 12-cylinder boxer engine, making it one of the most powerful and innovative race cars of its time.
The Porsche 917 boasted a 4.5-liter 12-cylinder engine, later expanded to up to 4.9 liters, achieving peak outputs of over 600 horsepower. Weighing around 840 kilograms (1,852 pounds), the 917 was extremely light, resulting in an impressive power-to-weight ratio. In addition to the potent engine performance, its aerodynamic body, characterized by a low and wide profile, enabled staggering speeds. The 917 could reach top speeds of over 380 km/h (236 mph) on the straight at Le Mans.
The Porsche 917 was particularly successful at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it first claimed victory in 1970 with drivers Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood. This triumph continued the following year in 1971 when Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep won the race, setting a record that remained unbroken for decades. The 917's combination of reliability and speed made it a favorite in endurance races, helping Porsche establish a name in the field.
Some of the most famous drivers who successfully piloted the Porsche 917 in motorsport include Jacky Ickx, Brian Redman, and Pedro Rodríguez. These drivers significantly contributed to enhancing the fame of the 917 and securing its successes in numerous races. Pedro Rodríguez in particular was known for his spectacular performances in the 917, where he often displayed superior performances against the competition and dominated many races.
This captivating 1/43 scale model by SPARK represents the Porsche 917 Living Legend and is crafted from high-quality resin. The level of detail is impressive, perfectly showcasing the distinctive features of the original. The model is painted in a striking red with white stripes and bears the number 23, just like the historic prototype. The wheels and brakes are accurately replicated, giving the model an authentic look. Sponsor logos such as Porsche are visible across the entire body, emphasizing historical accuracy. Model enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail and the premium craftsmanship of this model car. The model is part of the "porschepit" collection on Modelly and is a true highlight for collectors worldwide.