01.04.2025German racing history to build yourself

With its sonorous twelve-cylinder engine, 600 hp, and a top speed of 368 kph, the 917 short-tail was one of the most successful sports cars of its time. For example, Porsche won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, as well as endurance classics such as the 1,000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Porsche's participation in the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans is legendary: The Zuffenhausen-based company entered a total of seven 917s, five of which were short-tail and two long-tail versions.

Marked by numerous incidents, 16 cars ultimately crossed the finish line at the end of the 24-hour race. It is all the more impressive that three Porsche racing cars occupied the top three podium positions. Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood triumphed in the #23 Porsche 917k, registered by Porsche KG Salzburg and sporting the legendary red and white Salzburg livery.

This triumph not only marked the beginning of Porsche's impressive streak of overall victories at Le Mans, but also the long-standing success of the 917. The following year, another dominant overall victory was achieved, even setting a distance record that would stand until 2010.

The winning 917 of 1970 not only embodies the successes of Porsche and the series, but also represents a very special year at Le Sarthe. For the first time, there was no traditional Le Mans start for safety reasons. Although the cars were still lined up at a 45-degree angle to the pit wall when the race was started, the drivers no longer ran across the track but were already seated in their cars, strapped in.

Another special feature: During the race, footage was shot for the Steve McQueen film "Le Mans," in which the actor drove a 917 with a Gulf livery, thus boosting the popularity of the car and the Gulf colors.

The same car was driven by Jo Siffert and Brian Redmann around the historic circuit at the Sarthe in 1970. Unlike their winning colleagues, however, the duo in the 917k with the iconic Gulf livery did not reach the finish line.

In collaboration with model manufacturer Ixo, a high-quality kit of the legendary Porsche 917k is now available for purchase. The #23 car features the legendary Salzburg livery. At a scale of 1:8 and with a total of 839 parts, the all-metal kit is a true highlight in any model car collection. Other special highlights include the fully detailed interior, movable doors, and a special light and sound function.

Porsche 917K #23 Winner 24 Hours of Le Mans 1970 Kit 1:8 Ixo, RRP 1,049.99 €, item-no.: 520010119

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Porsche 917K #23 Winner 24h LeMans 1970 Kit 1:8 Ixo

£ 899.95