If you’re heading to this Saturday’s Autumn Classic at Castle Combe, you’re in for a treat.
This Porsche 917K is going to be on show as part of the event’s tribute to Le Mans icons, which includes a Ford GT40 celebration, 50 years after Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi took one to victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
But, not to be outdone, this Gulf-liveried Stuttgart star has also enjoyed its fair share of racing success.
The 917K at the 1970 Sebring 12 Hours © Motorsport Images
In 1970, this 917K starred on screen and on track, coming home fourth at the Sebring 12 Hours with Rodriguez and Leo Kinnunen, and competing at Le Mans.
But that’s not all – art mimicked reality, as it also appeared in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans the same year.
Sadly, its silver screen action left the Porsche with accident damage, so number 013 returned to its maker to be brought back to best. At this point its chassis number was changed to 034, so it’s since been known as 013/034.
Its competitive comeback in 1971 saw Rodriguez paired with Jackie Oliver, bringing victories at the Daytona 24 Hours and Monza 1000km.
