WERK83 - PORSCHE - 917LH 4.5L TEAM PORSCHE SYSTEM ENGENEERING N 12 24h LE MANS 1969 VIC ELFORD - RICHARD ATTWOOD

In October 1967, the International Federation decided to increase the minimum displacement of sports cars from 3 to 5 liters (production of at least 25 units). The regulation would come into force on January 1, 1968. Porsche decided to continue at least temporarily with the 3-liter 908 in 1968, but studies for the new 5-liter 917 were already started in July of that year. The chassis of the 908 was exploited as much as possible and a 4.5-liter 12-cylinder engine was designed, ie 500cc lower than the maximum capacity allowed by the regulation to be able to use some components of the 908 engine. The 917 was presented in Geneva in March 1969 and at the end of April the 25 specimens were inspected by the technical commissioners of the International Sports Commission. The 917 debuted at the 1969 1000km of Spa. The first year was an apprenticeship for this car, which showed considerable stability problems. At Le Mans the 917 with aerodynamic bodywork proved capable of aiming for success by remaining in the lead for about twenty hours before having to withdraw. The 917's first win came at the Zeltweg 1000km, with a short tail car, entered by Baron Von Wendt for Jo Siffert and Kurt Ahrens. Development on the 917 continued unabated into the winter of 1969-1970 and for the 1970 season the car appeared enormously improved, poised for the successes that made it one of the most famous models in Porsche history.

Of the four Porsche 917s entered in the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans, three started; Jo Siffert had preferred to run the race with the three-litre 908. Vic Elford and Richard Attwood piloted the number 12 917, leading the race for 18 hours until, with two hours to go, the clutch stopped the blue and white 917. Elford was left with the satisfaction of the fastest lap in 3'27"2 at an average speed of 234.017 km/h.