McQueen’s Porsche 917K to star at Hampton Court concours

By Marc McLaren
News
 | 3 Aug 2018
McQueen’s Porsche 917K to star at Hampton Court concours

Steve McQueen drove it on the big screen – now one of the three iconic Porsche 917Ks which starred in the classic movie Le Mans is coming to the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace.

Chassis 917-013/034 also tasted victory at some of Europe's top tracks and is one of several interesting endurance racers on show at the event, which takes place from 31 August to 2 September. 

Also on display will be a Ford GT40 raced at Spa in 1968 and a Mercedes CLK LM that competed in the 1997 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

McQueen’s Porsche 917K to star at Hampton Court concours

This 917K is particularly significant, on account of having lived quite the eventful life.

The 13th of the 25 Porsche 917s originally produced as part of the German marque's successful bid to finally win at Le Mans, the Gulf-liveried model first raced at Sebring in 1970, where it finished fourth at the hands of Pedro Rodriguez and Leo Kinnunen.

It was then loaned to McQueen so it could be used in the filming of the star's Le Mans project, and was one of just three 917s to be used in the production. 

Damaged soon afterwards, it was fully rebuilt afterwards using chassis #34, and subsequently returned to the track with great success: it took first place at Daytona, Monza and Paris in 1971, with Derek Bell among those to win in it.

McQueen’s Porsche 917K to star at Hampton Court concours
McQueen’s Porsche 917K to star at Hampton Court concours

The Mercedes-Benz CLK LM is quite a different beast.

Based on the CLK GTR, which won the FIA GT Championship in both 1997 and 1998, it was earmarked by Mercedes as its ticket to Le Mans glory. To that end it was fitted with a V8 engine rather than the V12 found within the earlier machine, and also received a new aerodynamic package supposedly better suited to La Sarthe.

However, despite the two LM cars entered in the 1997 race qualifying in first and third, both retired with engine failure.

Finally, the Ford GT40 needs no introduction; the model on display at the Concours of Elegance will be a Gulf-liveried car which was raced to fourth place at the Spa 1000km race in 1968.

Concours of Elegance Director, Andrew Evans, said, “We believe at the Concours of Elegance that every car has a story, and these incredible racing cars each have quite the tale to tell.

"From Hollywood film stars, to gruelling motorsport victories, there’s a reason that each and every one of these cars is instantly recognisable to motor racing fans all over the world. And we’re privileged enough to have them all in one place, gathered at Hampton Court Palace among a selection of the rarest cars ever created.”

Tickets to the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace can be bought from the official site.

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