Le Mans Porsche 917
Steve McQueen's Porsche 917: A Racing Icon
The iconic Porsche driven by Steve McQueen and owned previously by Jerry Seinfeild for the last 20+ years is going to auction next month. It can be yours if you have 20 million lying around. If not, here’s an article on the iconic motor and the legacy of Le Mans.
Steve McQueen, the "King of Cool," was more than just a Hollywood legend—he was an avid car enthusiast and amateur racer whose passion for speed was evident both on and off the screen. Among the many iconic cars associated with McQueen, the Porsche 917 holds a special place in automotive and cinematic history. This extraordinary race car starred alongside McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, cementing its status as a symbol of motorsport excellence.
Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917 in LeMans
The Porsche 917: A Masterpiece of Engineering
The Porsche 917 was introduced in 1969 as a purpose-built endurance racing car designed to dominate events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was powered by a 4.5L flat-12 engine, later upgraded to 4.9L and 5.0L variants, capable of producing over 600 horsepower. With a lightweight tubular aluminum chassis and aerodynamic design, the 917 could reach speeds exceeding 240 mph, making it one of the fastest and most advanced race cars of its era.
Key specifications of the Porsche 917:
Engine: Air-cooled, flat-12
Horsepower: 600-630 hp (depending on variant)
Top Speed: Over 240 mph
Weight: Approximately 800 kg
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Notable Features: Fiberglass body panels, adjustable rear wing, and cutting-edge aerodynamics.
The 917’s performance on the track was unparalleled, with victories at the 1970 and 1971 Le Mans races. These wins solidified Porsche’s dominance in endurance racing and established the 917 as a legend in motorsport.
McQueen and the Porsche 917 in Le Mans
Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans sought to capture the visceral intensity and authenticity of endurance racing. To achieve this, McQueen and his production team used real footage from the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, blending it seamlessly with staged sequences. Central to the film’s realism was the Porsche 917, which McQueen’s character, Michael Delaney, drives during the fictionalized race.
McQueen’s affinity for the Porsche 917 extended beyond the silver screen. The actor respected the car for its engineering brilliance and raw speed. While McQueen didn’t drive the 917 in actual races, his deep understanding of racing culture and his insistence on authenticity in Le Mans ensured the car’s portrayal was as thrilling as its real-life exploits.
The Legacy of McQueen’s 917
One of the Porsche 917s used during the production of Le Mans was chassis number 917-022. This particular car played a significant role in the film and has since become one of the most valuable and celebrated examples of the 917. In 2017, it was sold at auction for a staggering $14 million, reflecting its dual significance as a motorsport icon and a piece of Hollywood history.
McQueen’s association with the 917 also contributed to the car’s cultural legacy. Through his on-screen performance and real-life passion for racing, McQueen helped elevate the 917 beyond a mere race car to a symbol of speed, precision, and coolness.
Why the 917 Resonates Today
The Porsche 917 remains a benchmark in automotive engineering and design. Its ground breaking technology influenced future generations of race cars, while its victories at Le Mans continue to inspire enthusiasts and professionals alike. McQueen’s connection to the 917 added a layer of mystique, intertwining the worlds of Hollywood and motorsport in a way that has rarely been matched.
For fans of both racing and cinema, Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917 represents the perfect fusion of art and engineering. Its presence in Le Mans captured the spirit of endurance racing, and its association with McQueen ensures its legacy as one of the most celebrated cars in history.
