The Porsche 917K was introduced in 1970 as the successor to the 917, and was one of the most iconic and successful racing cars of the era. The 917K was designed to compete in the World Sportscar Championship, and was powered by a 4.5-litre flat-12 engine that produced around 580-610bhp. The chassis was a lightweight tubular spaceframe construction, and it was mated to a transaxle gearbox. The car was capable of reaching speeds of up to 350km/h, and it was one of the first racing cars to feature ground effect aerodynamics.
The 917K was an immediate success in the World Sportscar Championship, winning the 1970 and 1971 titles, and taking overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. The car was also used in the Can-Am series in North America, where it won the championship in 1972. The 917K’s success was due to its combination of power and aerodynamic efficiency, and its ability to handle high speeds with ease.
The 917K was developed further for the 1972 season, with a wider track and revised suspension. The car also featured a revised aerodynamic package, which improved downforce and allowed for higher cornering speeds. The car was also fitted with a larger engine, producing up to 630bhp. This allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 360km/h, and it was one of the fastest racing cars of the era.
The 917K was driven by a number of well-known drivers, including Mark Donohue, Jo Siffert, Brian Redman, and Jackie Stewart. The car was also featured in the 1971 movie Le Mans, which starred Steve McQueen. The movie featured several real-life 917K race cars, and it helped to cement the 917K’s place in motorsport history.
The 917K was eventually replaced by the 917/30 in 1973, and it was the last of Porsche’s 917 racing cars. The 917K has since become an icon of motorsport, and its success in the 1970s helped to establish Porsche as one of the most successful manufacturers in racing. The car is still highly sought after by collectors, and it remains one of the most iconic racing cars of all time.
