Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Porsche 917 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Porsche 917K - 360° Interactive
Porsche 917K - Key Specifications
Porsche 917K Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Group 5 Prototype Race Car |
| Released At | 1969 (K version in 1970) |
| Built At | Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany |
| Engine | 4.5–4.9L Flat-12 (Type 912) |
| Position | Mid-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural Aspiration |
| Block Material | Magnesium Alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 4494–4907 cc / 274–299 cu in |
| Power | 580 hp / 432 kW @ 8400 rpm (4.9L) |
| Specific Output | 118–129 hp per liter |
| Torque | 539 Nm / 397 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm |
| Top Speed | 354 km/h / 220 mph (low drag version) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 2.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 2.7 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Fiberglass Body over Aluminum Spaceframe |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Center-Lock Magnesium Alloy Racing Wheels |
| Front Tires | Goodyear Racing Slicks 11.5x15 |
| Rear Tires | Goodyear Racing Slicks 15.0x15 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 11.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 15 in |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and Dampers |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link with Coil Springs and Dampers |
| Curb Weight | 800 kg / 1764 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 42% / Rear 58% (approx.) |
| Wheelbase | 2310 mm / 90.9 in |
| Length | 4140 mm / 163.0 in |
| Width | 1940 mm / 76.4 in |
| Height | 940 mm / 37.0 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual (Porsche Type 920) |
| Fuel Economy (Race) | 65 L/100 km (est.) |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 liters / 31.7 gallons |
Some Interesting Porsche 917K Facts
- Porsche’s First Overall Le Mans Winner
The Porsche 917 secured Porsche’s first-ever overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, and repeated the feat in 1971, cementing its place in endurance racing history. - Developed to Dominate Group 5 Racing
The 917 was created to compete in the FIA’s Group 5 Sports Car category, which required at least 25 production units for homologation — Porsche famously lined all 25 cars up to prove it. - Powered by a Flat-12 Engine
The heart of the 917 was a 4.5 to 4.9-liter air-cooled flat-12 engine, producing up to 630+ horsepower in early versions — an engineering marvel of its time. - Later Versions Reached Over 1,100 HP
In Can-Am racing, the 917 was developed into the 917/30 Spyder, with a turbocharged engine producing up to 1,580 hp in qualifying trim — making it one of the most powerful race cars ever built. - Capable of 240+ mph at Le Mans
The 917’s long-tail “Langheck” versions could reach over 240 mph (386 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans — an almost unheard-of speed in the early 1970s. - Infamously Difficult to Drive at First
Early 917s were unstable at high speeds, with unpredictable aerodynamics. It wasn’t until the 917K (Kurzheck) was developed that the car became more controllable — and dominant. - Star of the Film Le Mans
The 917 gained pop culture fame thanks to Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans, in which he drove a Gulf-liveried 917 — one of the most iconic liveries in motorsport. - Built with Lightweight Materials
The 917’s chassis was constructed using aluminum tubing, and the entire car weighed just around 800 kg (1,760 lbs) — incredibly light for a car with that much power. - Variants Included Coupes, Spyders, and Long-Tail Versions
Over time, the 917 evolved into various forms, including the 917K (short tail), 917L (long tail), 917PA (for Can-Am), and the monstrous 917/30. - Now One of the Most Valuable Race Cars in the World
Original Porsche 917s are extremely rare and collectible, with well-documented examples fetching over $10–15 million at auctions — some even higher due to race wins or celebrity connections.
Porsche 917 Price
The Porsche 917 (1969–1973) is one of the most legendary and valuable racing cars ever built, famous for dominating Le Mans and revolutionizing sports car racing. With only ~65 units ever made, it's a multi-million-euro masterpiece.
Here's the latest market insight (mid-2024):
Current Value Estimate (EU & Global Market)
By Chassis & History:
- Non-works/Privateer 917: €12M – €20M
(Lesser-known race history, restored, or missing original parts.) - Works Team Car (Le Mans/WSC winner): €20M – €40M+
(e.g., 917K chassis #027, #023, or 917LH #043.) - "Pink Pig" or "Gulf" Liveried Icons: €30M+
(Documented race-winning provenance.)
Auction Records:
- 2017 (RM Sotheby’s): $14M (~€12M) for a 917K (chassis #024).
- 2023 Private Sales: Rumored €25M+ for a Le Mans-winning chassis.
Why Is It So Valuable?
✔ Rarity: Only ~65 total built (Kurzheck & Langheck versions).
✔ Dominance: Won Le Mans 1970–71, crushing Ferrari’s 512.
✔ Engineering Marvel: First Porsche to hit 240+ mph (386 km/h) at Le Mans.
✔ Cinematic Fame: Star of Steve McQueen’s "Le Mans" (1971).
✔ Blue-Chip Asset: Trades in the same league as Ferrari 250 GTOs.
Key Price Factors
Provenance: Works team cars (e.g., #917-023, 1970 Le Mans winner) command €10M+ premiums.
Originality: Matching-numbers Type 912 flat-12 engine is critical.
Race History: Le Mans/WSC podium cars are 2-3x more valuable.
Condition: Unrestored survivors > heavily restored examples.
Where to Buy?
- High-End Auctions: RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Co. (though most trade privately).
- Private Brokers: Girardo & Co., DK Engineering, Talacrest.
- Porsche Museum Connections: Occasionally sources ultra-rare models.
Market Trend
- Explosive Growth: Prices have 5x’d since 2010 (€5M → €25M+).
- Future Outlook: As Porsche’s racing golden age gains prestige, the 917 is untouchable.
Fun Fact: The 917’s 5.0L flat-12 was so loud, drivers reported temporary hearing loss after races!
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