Porsche Names 917 Racer's Five Best Liveries in History
Porsche's iconic 917 racer featured some pretty iconic color combinations over the years, but these are the best of the best.
She's Got the Look
Among the many great race cars across motorsports history, few can measure up to the mighty 917. But the car's many iterations and liveries over the years are every bit as legendary as its iconic styling and boxer engine. So in the latest episode of the Porsche Top 5 series, the automaker took a look back at the five best color combinations to ever grace the 917's curvaceous flanks.
Photos: Porsche
"The Pink Pig" 917/20
The 917/20, better known by its nickname "The Pink Pig," measured in at more than 24 centimeters wider than its predecessor. The car also underwent further modifications to improve aerodynamics. That reworked body inspired Porsche designers in 1971 to give the car a pink finish and apply markings that show cuts of meat.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about these awesome 917 liveries here in Rennlist.com.
Martini 917 Long-Tail
The year 1971 also brought us the Porsche 917 "long-tail" sporting Martini livery. One year earlier this racer, at the time still bearing a psychedelic green and purple stripe pattern, retired due to engine failure. Unfortunately, it was unable to cover the full distance on the Sarthe circuit in the following year either. Nevertheless, this 917 model was the first racing car to set a record average speed of over 150 mph at Le Mans.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about these awesome 917 liveries here in Rennlist.com.
Gulf 917
The 917 in Gulf livery is a real star, sporting a light blue and orange finish that ultimately became famous all over the world mainly due to its appearance in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans. To this day, it still remains one of the most valuable models ever produced in the highly regarded 917 lineup.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about these awesome 917 liveries here in Rennlist.com.
Salzburg Red 917
Though the Gulf 917 may be more valuable and more widely recognizable than it, Porsche gives its number one spot to the 917 painted Salzburg Red. Based on the colors of the Austrian flag, this racing car clinched its very first overall victory for Porsche at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. And that's enough historical significance to net it the top spot on this list.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about these awesome 917 liveries here in Rennlist.com.
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