When you think Porsche, the first model that generally comes to mind is the all conquering 911. Whilst the 911 was and still is a superb car both on and off the track, it was the Porsche 917 sports prototype that paved the way to a string of wins at Le Mans and sportscar races worldwide. It took Porsche from a class winner, to an outright threat. The 917 also elevated the careers of such legendary drives as Derek Bell, Frank Gardner, Mark Donohue and Brian Redman. Read More

The Porsche 917 is arguably the most well-known and loved Prototype race car ever to leave the factory doors of Stuttgart. Great sportscar drivers such as Derek Bell, Richard Attwood, Brian Redman, Pedro Rodriguez and Mark Donohue all drove this conquering machine, albeit in difference guises. It ruled the circuits of Europe and the United States from the late 60's to the mid 70's and even made a brief appearance in the early 80's at Le Mans.

The video below is of the car and marque's most well known driver, Derek Bell, who gives a brief rundown on what it was like to tame one of these beasts. The sound of the flat-12 cylinder motor in my opinion, rivals that of Maranello's finest at the time. Whilst the Porsche 956/962's of the 80's and 90's were much more successful, it was this car that truly launched the Porsche name as a force to be reckoned on the racetrack. This blog entry is just a little bit of a warmup, there will be more to follow over the next week...  Read More