The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that left an indelible mark on motorsport history. Introduced in 1969, it was designed to dominate endurance racing, and it did just that.
Engine: The 917 was powered by a 4.5 to 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, known as the Type 912. This air-cooled engine featured a magnesium alloy crankcase and twin overhead camshafts. In its most potent form, it produced over 600 horsepower, propelling the car to speeds exceeding 240 mph (386 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans.
Chassis: The 917's chassis was a lightweight aluminum spaceframe, weighing just 42 kg. This contributed to the car's overall weight of around 820 kg, allowing for exceptional agility and speed.
Aerodynamics: The 917 underwent several aerodynamic evolutions, including the development of the "Long Tail" (Langheck) version for high-speed tracks and the "Short Tail" (Kurzheck or KH) for better handling on twistier circuits.
Motorsport Achievements:
The Porsche 917 secured Porsche's first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, a feat it repeated in 1971. These victories were part of a dominant period where the 917 won numerous endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1000 km of Monza. Its success was instrumental in Porsche winning the International Championship for Makes in both 1970 and 1971.
Street-Legal Versions – All Based on the 917 KH (Kurzheck):
Despite being a purebred race car, a few Porsche 917s in Kurzheck (short tail) configuration were modified for road use:
Claudio Roddaro's 917-037: In 2016, Monaco-based collector Claudio Roddaro registered a 917 KH for road use, navigating complex legal requirements to make it street-legal. The 917-037, built from an unused chassis and assembled with approximately 95% original Porsche parts, is considered the most original 917 in existence. It was never raced or crashed, and after extensive bureaucratic efforts, it now legally drives on public roads in its authentic Martini Racing livery.
Count Gregorio Rossi di Montelera's 917-30: In the 1970s, Count Gregorio Rossi, heir to the Martini & Rossi fortune, had a 917 KH, chassis number 917-30, modified for road use. This car was reportedly driven on public roads, including the streets of Turin. It was one of the few 917s to be converted for street use, and Count Rossi's influence in motorsport helped make the project a reality.
Jo Siffert's 917-024: Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert, a factory Porsche driver and key figure in the car’s development, owned chassis number 917-024, a Porsche 917 KH that was reportedly modified for occasional road use. While exact details about its conversion are scarce, it is known that Siffert drove the car on public roads, further cementing the mystique of the 917 off the racetrack. The car was closely linked to his career, as he helped bring Porsche numerous endurance victories, including wins at Nürburgring and Spa.
The Rarity and Legend of Street-Legal 917s:
These rare Porsche 917 KH street-legal conversions—Roddaro’s 917-037, Rossi’s 917-30, and Siffert’s 917-024—represent the ultimate fusion of racing heritage and automotive rarity. Created during an era of unrestrained innovation, these machines remain icons not only for their on-track success but for their incredibly rare transformation into road-legal supercars.
The Porsche 917 is not just a car; it is a living testament to the power of engineering, innovation, and passion for racing. Whether on the track or the street, the 917 KH remains an icon of speed, precision, and the pursuit of perfection.
Porsche 917 KH (Kurzheck) – Street Legal Tech Specs
Model: Porsche 917 KH (Kurzheck) – Street Legal Conversion
Years of Origin: 1969–1971 (original race models)
Chassis Numbers: Notable street-legal examples include 917-037, 917-024, and 917-030
Body Type: Two-door coupe, short-tail Le Mans prototype
Chassis: Aluminum spaceframe with fiberglass body panels
Weight: Approximately 820 kg (1,808 lbs)
Engine: 4.5 to 5.0-liter flat-12 (Type 912)
Power Output: 580 to 630 horsepower (depending on configuration)
Torque: Around 563 Nm (415 lb-ft)
Top Speed: Up to 240 mph (386 km/h) in race spec; slightly reduced for road use
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): Approximately 2.3 to 2.5 seconds
Transmission: 5-speed manual (Porsche Type 920 gearbox)
Drive Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Independent front and rear, double wishbone setup
Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes front and rear
Fuel Tank Capacity: Around 120 liters (race configuration)
Interior Modifications: Minimal; may include indicators, basic instruments, or sound insulation
Lighting & Signals: Road conversions include added headlights, turn signals, and brake lights
Exhaust System: Typically fitted with mufflers to meet road noise/emission regulations
Registration Examples: Monaco (917-037), Switzerland (917-024, historic), Italy (917-030)
Livery: Often retains original racing liveries, such as Martini Racing
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