If you’re interested in top-class racing cars, then the Porsche 917/10 is a vehicle you definitely should take a look at. It’s not only a technical masterpiece but also a symbol of one of the most exciting eras in motorsport – the CanAm series in the early 1970s. Join us on a journey through the history, technology, sporting successes, and special stories surrounding the Porsche 917/10.
The History of the Porsche 917/10
The Porsche 917 is a legend in motorsport, introduced in 1969 at the Geneva Motor Show. Originally designed for the World Sportscar Championship, the 917 experienced a new heyday when five-liter sports cars were no longer allowed in the championship starting in 1972. Porsche then turned to the North American CanAm Championship, known for its regulatory freedom and featuring the strongest and fastest racing cars in the world.
The Porsche 917/10 was developed in 1971 as the first turbocharged variant of the 917 – a milestone, as it was the first time Porsche used a turbo engine in a racing car. The base was a 5.4-liter V12 engine, which with turbocharging delivered about 1100 hp at 7800 rpm. The maximum torque was an impressive 1098 Nm. This made the 917/10 a real powerhouse, offering breathtaking performance at a curb weight of around 800 kilograms.
Technical Highlights for Model Builders
For you as model builders, the Porsche 917/10 is a fascinating object. The body of the 917/10 was an open spyder with a distinctive large rear wing and a shovel-shaped front designed for maximum downforce. This makes the car not only aerodynamically interesting but also visually unmistakable – a real eye-catcher in any collection.
The wheelbase was extended from 2300 mm in previous models to 2500 mm, giving the car a more stable stance. The 4-speed gearbox was equipped with a solid drive shaft, meaning no differential, which made the driving style demanding. The brakes were internally ventilated, and the suspension consisted of titanium coil springs with gas pressure shock absorbers – all components that can also be a challenge in model building if you want to replicate details authentically.
Particularly exciting is the view of the engine and gearbox block at the rear, which is detailed in our model. The cockpit is comparatively Spartan but authentic, with typical racing instruments and a minimalist racing seat – perfect for you to indulge your love of detail.
Sporting Successes and Legendary Drivers
The Porsche 917/10 was a dominant competitor in the CanAm series. In 1972, George Follmer won the CanAm championship with the 917/10 TC for Porsche and the Penske Racing Team. The following year, 1973, Porsche prevailed with the even more powerful 917/30 Spyder, but the 917/10 remained very successful and secured second to fourth places in the driver standings.
In the European Interserie, a kind of CanAm variant, the 917/10 was also the benchmark. Drivers like Leo Kinnunen and Georg Loos achieved great successes with the car. Loos, who raced the 917/10 in the 1973 Interserie with his Gelo Racing Team, was a well-known name in motorsport and a great connoisseur of Porsche racing cars.
Another important name in the history of the 917 is Willi Kauhsen, a driver and team manager closely connected to Porsche. Kauhsen tested many variants of the 917, including the 917/10, and was known for his calm and analytical driving style. He once told an anecdote about Mark Donohue, the later CanAm champion, who after a long flight immediately jumped into the car and wanted to drive right away – a sign of the unbridled racing spirit of that time.
Special Anecdotes and Technical Records
The Porsche 917/10 was famous not only for its performance but also for its extreme technical data. On the test bench, the engine developed up to 1570 hp at a boost pressure of 2.24 bar – a performance still unmatched today. The acceleration was breathtaking: from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and the 300 km/h mark was reached in only 11.3 seconds.
The car had an enormous fuel consumption of up to 97 liters per 100 kilometers, which is why two large tanks with a total capacity of 400 liters were installed. The top speed ranged from 382 to over 400 km/h depending on the setup – values that still impress today.
Another anecdote concerns the enormous strain on the drivers. Acceleration forces of up to 4 or 5 g required exceptional fitness and concentration. Drivers like Jo Siffert and Pedro Rodríguez, who are considered giants of the 917 program, unfortunately paid with their lives – a dark chapter in the history of this legendary racing car.
Why the Porsche 917/10 is a Dream for Model Builders
For you as model builders, the Porsche 917/10 offers many exciting aspects: the combination of technical complexity, the striking look with the large rear wing and open spyder body, as well as the eventful racing history make it a fascinating object. The level of detail you can achieve when recreating the engine, suspension, and cockpit is a real challenge and at the same time great fun.
In addition, there are now high-quality model cars, such as the 1:18 exclusive model by Minichamps, which faithfully reproduces the 917/10 from Gelo Racing in the 1973 Interserie. Such models are not only collector’s items but also perfect templates and inspirations for your own projects.
Highlights of the Porsche 917-10 1:32 Kit
Experienced builders at level 4 assemble an impressive motorsport model from 64 individual parts, with a length of 13.7 cm and a width of 6.9 cm.
Special Features
- Scale-accurate reproduction in 1:32 format with authentic paintwork
- Detailed, multi-part engine with finest structures
- High-quality processed, multi-part metal-cast body
- Authentic cockpit equipment with detailed driver figure
- Functional doors and hood to explore all details
Scope of Delivery
- Porsche 917 model car in 1:32 scale
- High-quality presentation box with viewing window
- Certificate of authenticity with individual serial number
- Detailed product documentation with historical information
The model impresses with a great level of detail and high-quality workmanship. The combination of metal casting and precisely manufactured plastic parts gives the model a special value. Thanks to the functional doors and the openable hood, you can explore all the details of the legendary racing car.
The Porsche 917/10 is much more than just a racing car – it is a piece of motorsport history, a technical masterpiece, and a dream for every model builder. From the groundbreaking turbo technology to the legendary drivers and the spectacular successes in the CanAm and Interserie, the 917/10 offers a wealth of stories and details that will inspire you as model builders.
So if you are looking for an exciting model building project that combines technology, history, and motorsport, the Porsche 917/10 is exactly the right choice for you. Dive into the fascinating world of this extraordinary racing car and let yourself be inspired by its history and performance!
