History, Performance, and a £3 Million Price Tag: The Last Porsche 917 to Race at Le Mans Hits the Block
Imagine the roar of an era-defining legend, cutting through the air at Le Mans, making history with its 1970 win. Meet the Porsche 917, a powerhouse that dominated the World Sportscar Championship with an impressive 15 victories over just three years. This machine was no joke, breaking boundaries and setting records.
After its official stint, racing regulations waved the checkered flag on the 917, but its story wasn’t over. In a bold move, Kremer Racing revived this beast in 1981, creating the 917 ‘K-81’ with Porsche’s nod of approval. Armed with old Porsche 917 engines and a mission, it took on the famed Le Mans once more.
The very last 917, sanctioned by Porsche, revving up for auction with RM Sotheby’s. A piece of racing history, it’s a collector’s dream, with an estimated price of £3 to £4.3 million. Yes, that’s enough to make any enthusiast’s heart race.
But what makes this Porsche 917 stand out? Kremer Racing gave it a sleek makeover, tweaking the chassis and borrowing the guts of a Can-Am champion for enhanced performance. Then there’s the heart of the beast—a 5.0-liter air-cooled flat-12 engine, rebuilt in 2019, delivering a staggering 573bhp to the rear wheels through a manual five-speed transmission. Don’t be fooled by its specs; this car, lighter than a toddler, can be tuned to unleash up to 1,100bhp. Hold on tight!
Peering inside, you’ll find a well-preserved exterior, its iconic yellow livery gleaming with pride. Sure, there are signs of its racing days—the exposed frames, a glimpse of raw history—but that’s all part of its charm. After all, these battle scars tell a story of adrenaline-fueled races and glory.
So, dare to own a piece of racing history? The Porsche 917 is not just a car; it’s a time machine to Le Mans glory. Get ready to hit the track in style with this ultimate track day toy!