This is a Porsche 917 with bodywork removed, revealing the ultra lightweight alloy tube-frame. One of these cars reportedly reached 386 km/h (240 mph) on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans in 1971! Jacques Breuer Photo
The ultra-rare Porsche 916, belonging to a local #porschefamily member, visiting our Classic Center. Among the world's rarest vehicles, the 916 stands as a testament to Porsche's innovation. Crafted in 1971, this masterpiece comprises just 11 prototype cars, each a symbol of unparalleled engineering. Back then, within the walls of the Porsche factory, visionary designers wielded their creativity and skill to birth the very first Porsche 916 prototype.
Chassis 9141430195, originally a 914/6, underwent custom modifications after being withdrawn from the production line, tailored exclusively for this unique endeavor. This inaugural vehicle took on a dual role, serving as both Ferdinand Piëch’s personal everyday vehicle and as a dynamic testing platform for the pioneering 916 project.
Instead of the 2.0-liter engine, Porsche initially fitted a 2.6-liter flat-six into the model, which was later swapped for a modified variant of the potent 2.8-liter 911 RSR racing engine. Straight from the factory, this powerhouse delivered 308 hp and 217 ft lbs of torque, but Porsche fine-tuned it extensively to achieve their desired performance, eventually boosting the engine's output to an impressive 345 horsepower. Interestingly, this pioneering vehicle earned the affectionate nickname "Brutus," attributed to a suggestion by Piëch's wife, Corina.