So you’re telling me pigs don’t sound like flat-12’s?
A long, wide-body with a shouting flat-12, stunning flowing lines, and a top speed of 241mph… Have you guessed what car I’m describing yet? It’s no other than the prestigious 1970 Porsche 917. The ultimate race car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the early 70s. However, when the name ‘Porsche 917’ comes to mind, every petrol head doesn’t think of the same version of the Porsche 917. One person will think of the Gulf livery, the other might picture the pink pig or maybe even the “Hippie” livery, the 917 model is not just one specific car. Every single model and livery is distinctive in its own way, whether it be a pink livery or a shortened nose.
Porsche not only wanted to dominate the 24-hour endurance race, but they wanted to do it in a colorful style. Once the German manufacturer built the infamous 917, they knew each one of these models and cars had its own character and personality, which led to them being painted in their own and very special livery. It is no doubt each livery has a story behind it, which is what makes this beast of a car so memorizing.
Porsche 917-001
Credit: Motor Authority
The Porsche 917-001 or chassis number 01 actually never raced at Le Mans. It was the show and presentation car that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show to pass the homologation rules and regulations. Not only does this cars striking green and white scheme extract class, but 24 of these green and white show cars were built just two days before the 1969 Geneva show. Yet, with such little time to finish them, they still resemble perfection. The first chassis would also be used as a test car, with Rolf Stommelen behind the wheel. Even though it wasn’t meant to ever race in the 24 hours of Le Mans, it still holds a massive presence in the motorsport world as the first Porsche 917 and as the introduction of the legend itself.
Porsche 917 “Long-Tail” The Martini Livery
Credit: Porsche Newsroom
When it comes to racing liveries. The Martini Livery is far from being unnoticed. The Martini blue, silver and red scheme still stands as one of the most recognizable sponsors and liveries to this day. Merged with a Porsche 917, it was far from just iconic. Now, this specific 917 wasn’t only known for its good looks, the “long-tail” version of the 917 proved to be very impactful and useful on the De La Sarthe circuit, as the design was used by many of the 917 variants. The Longtail was able to give a more aerodynamic advantage while generating more downforce and improving the fuel economy and usage as well. Sadly, this model didn’t cross the finish line of De La Sarthe, as it had to retire due to an engine problem. Although there is one important detail missing, this car never raced in the Martini livery.
The “Long-tail” Porsche 917 never raced in the Martini sponsor, it raced in the psychedelic “Hippie” green and purple livery at first, which was then painted in the Martini livery a couple of years after. The “Hippie” was and still is known as one of the most interesting and idiosyncratic race cars to have ever graced the racing scene. Long story short, it never finished the straining and dare to say dangerous race, nonetheless, it was also the first racing car to set a record average speed of over 230mph on the Mulsanne straight. A game-changer in one way or another.
Credit: Classic Driver
The Porsche 917/20 The “Pink Pig”
Credit: Porsche Newsroom
The most photographed race car during the 1971 24-Hour endurance race. Just take a quick glance at this piece of moving art, and you’ll notice why it was so loved. The Porsche 917/20 was dubbed and given the nickname “Pink Pig” due to its long body, stubby nose, puffy body, and massively wide hips that were a mixture between the 917 K and the 917 LH. It took the best of both worlds, incorporating design aspects of the 917 K and the Long Tail, which resulted in a rather unique shape. Its performance-built components and aerodynamic shape gave the designers a thrilling idea for its livery. Anatole Lapine gave the 917/20 a pink paint job with butcher cut lines covering the exterior to represent the pig persona. Right when the pink pig hit the grid, it already became a Le Mans favorite and one of the most infamous chassis to caress De La Sarthe. The puffy pig was the most photographed car that year, and for a commendable reason as well.
Regardless of how good-looking the 917/20 is, nothing compares to how it races and drives. The pig demands your attention, and its stance will be forever iconic. Not only was it intimidating, but it was also the fastest in qualifying and this specific 917/20 almost came in at fifth place as well, before a brake failure caused it to crash out of the race, disintegrating all the hopes of the pig crossing the French finish line.
The Salzburg Red Porsche 917
Simple yet menacing. A Porsche 917 that wears such a simple red and white color scheme yet a livery that speaks many words. The Salzburg Red Porsche 917 was based on the colors of the Austrian flag. For that matter, these specific colors not only made a statement but proved that very statement by achieving Porsche’s first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in the year 1970. Due to the 917 KH’s magnesium tubular frame, this iconic and heart-warming Porsche could sustain a larger fuel tank, assisting it immensely during the long race of Le Mans.
The red and while Porsche 917 KH might wear its well-known scheme well, although it wears the name as the first Porsche to take victory at the historic race even better.
Porsche 917 In The Gulf Livery
Credit: Porsche Newsroom
The most iconic livery? The most iconic Porsche livery? The most iconic 917 livery? Questions that are willing to be answered. The Porsche 917 has to be mostly known for its infamous blue and orange Gulf livery that was caressed in the endurance race of Le Mans. It is no wonder why this car was the poster car for the Steve Mcqueen film, “Le Mans”. The light blue and orange scheme became a star after the Hollywood film, as it stood out upon the crowd of all the 917 models. This specific livery and race car is engraved in every car enthusiast’s mind, from the simple flowing fenders to the iconic wide rear. This car still stands as one of the most beautiful and valuable cars of all time.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PORSCHE 917 LIVERY?