I've always been a sucker for 917's

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

I stumbled upon this article on old Porsche 917 photos with them off the track and found it pretty cool. I'd love to see more photos of 917's and race cars driving on the streets, if any of our Pelicans have any!

[john70t]

Beautiful pics.

The legendary 917 put the driver's legs in front of the axle.
The 962 fixed that.
But it was never given recognition.

[stuttgart46]

The 956 also had the drivers feet in front of the axles if I recall and that lead to the 962 being developed so that Porsche could race in the US.

[HardDrive]

If someone asked me what comes to mind when I think 'race car', it would be a 917. I suspect that's true for many. Iconic.

[DeRRis]

[R K T]

I used to have a little piece of a 917....

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by DeRRis

That's awesome! It's as if the normal cars don't belong there, haha.







I remember this video from a few years back. Canepa has a lot of fun!





Although it isn't a 917, it's a Schuppan 962 LM that gets driven on the street in Japan!


Don't think I posted this in the Porsche Video Thread but it's worth a watch!

[TRE Cup]

The following is a true story. Unfortunately (or fortunately for the people involved) there is no video recording or pics of the incident

Two guys in a certain California city bought a left over 917k coupe rolling chassis from Vasek Polak. Then they bought a 917 can am motor (normally aspirated) and gear box from a west coast racer that had those sort of parts. After some detailed work in assembling and painting the completed and now red 917 was a running beast.

Temptation being too great to wait for a proper test at a track, one of the owners decided that a street / freeway test would be okay

After passing a local constabulary at a fair clip of 130 mph, on the freeway, said constable lit up the lights and siren. Not being enamoured with a road side interview and possible impound/ tow, matching linked bracelets, said driver put his foot firmly to the floor. Constable's cruiser became but a dimly red lit speck in the mirror.
With that, the driver got off the freeway and returned towards the shop. Passing the cruiser at what must have been a closing speed of 300 mph ! (170 on the 917 and presumed 130 on the cherry topped sedan)
The 917 was swiftly put away at the shop, a car cover slipped on, and that bay door rolled shut.

Very lucky and exciting short journey never to be repeated again

[BK911]

Can't afford the real thing, so...

[T77911S]

pricey ride just to got walmart.

[gulf908]

the first pic (white car) is a 908
Dennis

[ZOO]

I am also partial to these. I think the 917 and the GT40 are among the prettiest race cars of all time.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by gulf908

the first pic (white car) is a 908...

...which is following a 917...

[URY914]

There is a guy on flickr that has been building his own 917. Incredible job. Here is a link to his pics..........

https://www.flickr.com/photos/47153142@N03/

[tdw28210]

Some Count or Duke had a streetable 917 back the 1970s.

[javadog]

That would be the one in the fifth picture, above. One of the owners of Martini and Rossi...

[daepp]

Originally Posted by R K T

I used to have a little piece of a 917....

You got rid of it? I was hoping you’d make it into a coffee table someday...

[R K T]

Originally Posted by daepp

You got rid of it? I was hoping you’d make it into a coffee table someday...

It went to Germany and is the back up motor for a "new" 917!

[herr_oberst]

This would make an excellent scale model diorama. If only there were someone with the skill to bring this to life in 1 18 scale.

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by R K T

I used to have a little piece of a 917....

Would look like this ↓ with a few more pieces added.


Such a small clutch for all that power...


Cam drive detail.


Cylinder head/cam housing assy.