At a late '69 test session which included the first prototype Can-Am 917, they realized the Can-Am car's chunky high downforce design solved the 917's stability problems and thenceforth ran two versions of the 917, the 917KH ( kurzheck, or short tail) and the 917LH ( langheck). They succeeded admirably, but on the track the slippery shape proved to be seriously unstable. From the beginning, Porsche went to great lengths to develop cars with low aerodynamic drag for the Mulsanne Straight, which at that time was as yet unmarred by chicanes. The race cars were owned by Porsche who supplied them to these teams prepared specifically for each race. Automotive Engineering (led by John Wyer, who had so successfully run the Ford GT40 racing program), Porsche-Salzburg and the Martini International Racing Team of Hans-Dieter Dechent. Porsche raced the 917 itself in its first season, 1969, but for 19 contracted with private teams: J.W. Over the next three years the Porsche 917 was to become an enduring symbol of modern road racing technology, an effect far greater than would be expected from only the 37 examples built. Those first 25 examples incorporated remarkable technology: Porsche's first 12-cylinder engine, an aluminum tube space frame chassis, myriad components from titanium, magnesium and exotic alloys, even suspension springs made from titanium wire. Under the leadership of Ferdinand Piech and Design Director Hans Mezger, twenty-five 917s were conceived, designed and built in only ten months to meet the FIA production minimum. A 1968 change in the FIA Group 4 sports car regulations to a 5 litre limit (effectively closing the door on American V8s) prompted Porsche's decision. Porsche built the 917 with one underlying goal: to win its first overall victory in the 24 Heures du Mans. Violet and light green with maroon cloth interiorĮngine: Flat 12-cylinder, dual overhead camshafts, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, 4999cc, 630bhp at 8,400rpm, 434lb-ft at 6,500rpm Gearbox: 5-speed Porsche transaxle Suspension: front, independent by unequal control arms with coil springs over tubular shocks, rear, independent by unequal control arms and radius rods with coil springs over tubular shocks Brakes: four wheel disc. Believed to be the Martini/Gulf Racing 917LH that placed second overrall at the 1970 Le Mans
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