1970 Porsche 917-032
Porsche developed the 917 sports prototype racer to exploit the regulations regarding the construction of 5-liter sports cars. Powered by a flat-12 engine which was progressively enlarged from 4.5 to 5.0 liters, the 917 was introduced in 1969. Extensive testing and continuous technological development resulted in an iconic sports racing car that dominated the World Championship of Makes sports-car racing in 1970 and 1971. In 1970 it gave Porsche its first overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (reaching speeds of 240mph), a feat it would repeat in 1971. It was chiefly responsible for Porsche winning the World Championship of Makes in 1970 and 1971. Porsche went on to develop the 917 for Can-Am racing, culminating in the twin-turbocharged 917/30 which proved dominant in the role. Porsche drivers would win the Can-Am championship in 1972 and 1973; 917 drivers also won the European Interserie championship every year from 1969 to 1975.
The Legendary Porsche 917 Shorttail Coupe Chassis No. 917 032 The Porsche 917 Shorttail Coupe Chassis No. 917 032 stands as a testament to engineering excellence and racing heritage, a car that has etched its mark in the annals of motorsport history. This remarkable vehicle, originally built in 1970, was acquired by Alex Hack from its first owner, Willi Kauhsena distinguished ex-works test driver who performed extensive testing on the legendary Porsche 917.
Chassis No. 917 032 was initially utilized for rigorous endurance testing, serving as a testbed for various aerodynamic innovations including the long tail, fin tail, and the rare "SCHNORCHEL" air ducts. Only three cars, including a Gulf-sponsored car, a Martini car, and this very chassis, were outfitted with these distinctive air ducts. Many of these tests were conducted on Porsche's private test track in Weissach, where numerous aerodynamic features were evaluated and subsequently implemented in the 1971 season.
This chassis also holds the distinction of being driven by renowned Porsche race car drivers Derek Bell and Joe Siffert during high-speed test runs at Hockenheim. Derek Bell vividly recalls a memorable test run where a bicyclist unexpectedly crossed the tracka story he shares in detail on YouTube.
At the end of 1970, Kauhsen acquired the car from the factory in a lightly damaged condition. He, along with Reinhold Joest and their USDAU racing team, utilized their direct connections to Porsche?s race department to amass a substantial inventory of 917 parts. The team, leveraging their expertise, repaired and raced the car. Notably, Chassis No. 917 032 was also lent to Solar Productions, Steve McQueen?s company, for the filming of the classic movie "Le Mans," further cementing its place in automotive lore.
In 2013, the car was offered as a restoration project, complete with its engine, gearbox, and all original parts. Although significant progress had been made, the restoration costs escalated, prompting the decision to sell the project. Alex Hack undertook the challenge, entrusting the supervision of a 30-year Porsche expert, and the actual work to Raceline Feustel, Europe's premier 917 restorer. The goal was clear: to restore the car to perfection using only original or N.O.S. 917 parts, ensuring it met F.I.A. race regulations.
The restoration, spanning two years, focused meticulously on every detail, from both rear bonnetsthe original short tail and the short tail with side finsto the complete rebuild of the original air ducts used in testing. The original 5-speed gearbox was painstakingly restored, despite the challenges in sourcing parts. By 2015, the restoration was complete, followed by test runs for suspension adjustments, culminating in the issuance of International F.I.A. race papers for Chassis No. 032 in France.
Today, the Porsche 917 Shorttail Coupe Chassis No. 917 032 stands as a fully race-ready, turnkey car, embodying a rich legacy of innovation, endurance, and iconic status. It is not just a car, but a piece of racing history, meticulously restored and maintained, ready to continue its storied journey on the track.
Spare parts include:
- Complete set of original unrestored brake calipers
- One short tail rear body section (restored)
- One front bonnet (restored)
- Tachometer
- Four original wheels
- One rear fin-tail body section (unrestored)
