Porsche 917

The type 917 gave Porsche its first overall wins at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. Powered by the type 912 flat 12 engine of 4.5, 5 and later 5.4 liters the long-tailed version was capable of over 240 miles per hour down the Mulssane Straight. it is one of the most iconographic sports racing cars of all time.

The 917/30 was one of the most powerful sports cars ever built. The 5.4 liter 12 cylinder could produce 1500 bhp with twin turbochargers attached though it usually raced with around 1100bhp to preserve the engine. The 917/30 dominated in the Can-Am series. The 917/30 could go from 0-60Mph in about 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 238Mph.

The 917 was made into a Movie Star by Steve McQueen in Le Mans.

The following books are available about the 917. 1976 -- The Fabulous Porsche 917 (1st edition) by P Hinsdale (ISBN 0-87799-052-2)

1986 -- PORSCHE 917 SUPER PROFILE by J Allen (ISBN 0-85429-605-0)

1987 -- PORSCHE 917 THE ULTIMATE WEAPON by I Bamsey (ISBN 0-85429-605-0)

1987 -- Porsche 917, Kimberleys Sportscar Guide by Michael Cotton (ISBN 0-946132-91-7)

1999 -- Porsche 917, the Winning Formula by Peter Morgan (ISBN 1-85960-633-4)

2000 -- Porsche 917, Unique Motor Books (ISBN 1-84155-297-6)