The Porsche 917K is a legendary race car that was developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. First produced in 1969, it was part of the first generation manufactured between 1969-1971. The 917K was designed under the leadership of chief engineer Hans Mezger and the design can be attributed to the influence of the engineering team including Helmuth Bott. A true milestone in the history of motorsport, the 917K was specifically designed to compete in the FIA Group 4 Sports Car Championship. The car was powered by a 4.5- to 5.0-liter 12-cylinder flat engine, capable of producing up to 620 horsepower. This enabled the 917K to achieve incredible top speeds of over 390 km/h (243 mph).
The Porsche 917K was known for its low, aerodynamic body and innovative technology. The engine, an air-cooled 180-degree V12, was mounted to the rear of the wheels to contribute to better weight distribution and handling. The 917K was constructed from a combination of aluminum and magnesium, making it lightweight yet durable. Another significant development was the experimental "long tail" design, which proved to be less maneuverable, leading to the preference for the "short tail" (K) version in races. Notably, the Porsche 917K had a tubular space frame construction made of thin-walled but strong tubes.
The Porsche 917K achieved great success on the race track, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1970 and 1971, the 917K claimed victory at this prestigious race, setting a record of over 5335 kilometers (3313 miles) in 24 hours in 1971. Renowned drivers like Jo Siffert, Pedro Rodríguez, and Hans Herrmann piloted the 917K to numerous wins. Particularly, the victory in 1970, where Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood drove the 917K to Porsche's first Le Mans win, is a highlight in motorsport history. These successes have immortalized the 917K and elevated it to a legend in motorsport.
The model of the Porsche 917K featured in the collection of Modelly member "Zuffenhausen" is a 1/43 scale replica manufactured by Diverse. This diecast miniature captures the distinctive lines and details of the original, portraying essential elements like the characteristic short tail and striking side air intakes. From the photos, it is evident that the model has been carefully painted to stay true to the original race car. The 1/43 scale model car is a popular collector's item as it offers perfect proportions and details of the real vehicle in miniature form.
The showcased model is adorned with a detailed racing livery reflecting the iconic design of the original Porsche 917K. The livery includes the typical colors and race numbers that the vehicle bore during its historic outings. The photos also display the sponsor logos of Shell and Martini Racing, completing the authentic look. The model showcases a vibrant red paint scheme with white and black accents, typical of one of the winning liveries at Le Mans. The accurate representation of the headlights, air intakes, and cockpit make this model a valuable collectible for any enthusiast.