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50 Years of the Porsche 917 – Colours of Speed

50 Years of the Porsche 917 – Colours of Speed

12/6/2019

The Porsche 917, one of the most prominent cars in Porsche racing history, is celebrating its 50th birthday. To honour this, the Porsche Museum is holding a special exhibition from 14 May to 15 September 2019 titled “50 Years of the Porsche 917 – Colours of Speed”.

A total of 14 exhibits, including ten 917 models, will be on display at the museum. A standout highlight is the 917-001, restored to its original 1969 condition, which marked the start of the unprecedented success of the 917 story. Another focal model is the 917 short-tail, winner of the 1970 and 1971 Le Mans.

As well as the illustrious display of models, there is also a detailed look at the fascinating technology of the Porsche 917, from the fine art of the twelve-cylinder engine to the high standard of body construction. A 1978 911 Turbo is a fine example of how elements of this racing pedigree have been incorporated into a road production Porsche.

Two further exhibits demonstrate how the 917 has been an inspiration for Porsche engineers and designs over the last 50 years. This cumulated inspiration has resulted in the development of the concept “917 Living Legend”, which is also on display as part of this special exhibition.

Visitors can experience the “racing car of the century” with a total of six toolboxes: they reflect on the racing world of that time, the brand sponsorship, and the transfer of technology from the 917 to subsequent Porsche racing and series production vehicles. Interactive media stations enhance the visitors’ experience of the history of the 917 – using multimedia presentations with gripping film scenes from racing history.

This special exhibition, which probably has the highest horsepower rating of any so far, is completed with the Museum shop selling a special range of 50th anniversary 917 products. Included in the range is an anniversary book entitled “Colours of Speed – 50 Years of the Porsche 917” published as part of the “Edition Porsche Museum”, along with a barbecue apron designed as a tribute to the 917/20 “Pink Pig”.

Visit www.porsche.de/museum for more information. The Porsche Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.