Porsche 917 Concept: Tribute to a Racing Icon

The LEGENDS - The legacy of motorsport is marked by a few truly iconic machines, and among them stands the Porsche 917, a car that not only defined an era but also redefined endurance racing. As automotive enthusiasts look back at its glorious history, Porsche has given fans a reason to celebrate with the restoration and unveiling of the Porsche 917 Concept. This bold move bridges the storied past with the promise of an exciting future, embodying everything Porsche has stood for over decades of innovation and racing dominance.

Porsche 917 Concept was built as a part of the "Colors of Speed ​​- 50 years of the 917" exhibition. (Picture from: CarVaganza)

First introduced to the world at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, the Porsche 917 made an indelible mark on the racing world. Originally designed to conquer the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche AG produced multiple units of this revolutionary race car during the late 1960s. Its aerodynamic body and unparalleled engineering gave it the edge over its competitors, leading to an era of dominance in endurance racing. The car famously secured an incredible 19 gold medals at Le Mans, cementing its status as a motorsport legend. Among its most notable achievements were its victories in 1970 and 1971, often remembered by the striking red and white Salzburg livery that has become synonymous with its success.

The 1969 Porsche 917 K Long Tail coupé / 917-001 Chassis known as one of the most successful Porsche race car ever made in the late 60s Le Mans 24 Hours. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

During its prime, the Porsche 917 faced stiff competition, notably from the Ford GT40 Mk.I, which also had a history of success at Le Mans. However, the 917 consistently rose above its rivals, setting benchmarks that many would aspire to but few would surpass. Its relentless pursuit of perfection, paired with Porsche's cutting-edge innovation, made it a force to be reckoned with on the track.

One of the 1969 Porsche 917 K-Gulf is raced in the group 5 of 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Fast-forward five decades, and the Porsche 917 is once again at the center of attention. As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, Porsche AG embarked on an ambitious project to restore and modernize this iconic car. The result is the Porsche 917 Concept, a stunning homage to its illustrious predecessor. Featuring a design that harmoniously blends the past and future, the concept boasts a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche 918 Spyder hypercar. Its updated aesthetics maintain the spirit of the original, particularly with its red and white Salzburg-inspired livery—a visual nod to its golden days at Le Mans.

Beneath its meticulously crafted exterior lies a deeper narrative. The Porsche 917 Concept isn’t just a tribute to a bygone era; it also hints at the future of hypercars under the Porsche banner. This concept was initially conceived as a design study during Porsche’s exploration of a return to the LMP1 class at Le Mans, a decision that materialized with the launch of the 919 Hybrid. While the 917 Concept never made it to production, it played a crucial role in shaping Porsche’s future endeavors in motorsport and high-performance vehicles.

This 1:1 model of the Porsche 917 Concept was created in modelling clay for the return of Porsche to the LMP1 elite class of endurance racing, and the objective of further overall wins in Le Mans associated with this. (Picture from: Porsche)

Michael Mauer, Chief Designer at Porsche, emphasized the importance of striking a balance between honoring history and shaping the future. He acknowledged that while looking back at iconic designs can inspire, the true challenge lies in creating something that sets a new benchmark. This philosophy resonates strongly in the 917 Concept, which serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation.

Porsche’s vision for the concept extends beyond its striking looks. The company has yet to finalize the powertrain for this potential hypercar, leaving room for exciting possibilities. Whether it takes the form of a hybrid or a fully electric vehicle, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has assured that the decision will hinge on performance and technological advancements. The discussion around powertrain options reflects Porsche’s commitment to sustainable innovation, ensuring that any future hypercar meets the brand’s stringent performance standards.

Steve McQueen, who played a racing driver called Michael Delaney in the 1971 film 'Le Mans,' poses with the Porsche 917 in the pit lane. (Picture from: TheGuardian)

To further celebrate the legacy of the Porsche 917, the concept model has been showcased as part of the "Colors of Speed – 50 years of the 917" exhibition at the Porsche Museum. Held between May and September 2019, the event displayed 14 Porsche models, including ten variants of the legendary 917. This immersive exhibition allowed fans to relive the glory days of the car that once dominated endurance racing and inspired countless automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Adding to its cultural legacy, the Porsche 917 famously starred alongside Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans. This cinematic appearance solidified its place in popular culture, presenting the car not only as a racing legend but also as a symbol of pure automotive passion.

As the Porsche 917 Concept garners admiration, it also reignites conversations about what lies ahead for Porsche and the world of high-performance automobiles. Whether it paves the way for a new generation of hypercars or remains a tribute to an unparalleled legacy, the 917 Concept exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Porsche. It is a reminder that while history provides the foundation, the future holds limitless possibilities. In celebrating the 917, Porsche not only honors its past but also signals its unwavering drive to push boundaries and set new standards for generations to come. *** [EKA [21052019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSROOM PORSCHE | THEGUARDIAN | CONCEPTCARZ | AUTOCAR | WIKIPEDIA ]

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