Germany’s Porsche Museum Celebrates Racing History with New Exhibit
Comprehensive ’50 Years of the Porsche 917: Colors of Speed’ honors iconic racer with special exhibit running through September 15.
The Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, Germany, just opened its latest exhibit: “50 Years of the Porsche 917: Colors of Speed.” Focusing on the 917 Porsche and its impact on racing, the exhibit offers a rare glimpse at notable cars, concepts, models, and racing memorabilia.
“Colors of Speed” features a total of 14 exhibits, including ten 917 models alone with a total of well over 7,300 horsepower. Since we couldn’t be at the opening, we can offer a peek at the the high-octane display.
A major highlight of the show is this Porsche, 917 chassis #001, above, which has been restored to its original 1969 condition.
The Group 4 sports car was developed in 1969, the first of 25 Porsche 917s manufactured. These cars were built to win, first at 24 Hours of Le Mans, and then World Championship. For over a year, museum mechanics, former technicians, and engineers worked on the restoration. As it stands, it has been remarkably returned to its former glory.
The 917 short-tail is also an exciting feature. It is a rare up close look at the Porsche with the red-white Salzburg design that won Le Mans in 1970 and 1971.
Alongside seven other 917 models–including the 917 PA Spyder, which became a test car with 16-cylinder engine, as well as the long-tail and turbo versions–the special exhibition also provides an in-depth insight into its technology. The 12-cylinder engine designed by Hans Mezger is illustrated by numerous small exhibits such as crankshafts, piston and cylinder sleeve sets, camshafts, and turbochargers.
Also a big draw is the 911 Turbo, illustrating how Porsche took its racing technology off the track and on the road, with an emphasis on its turbocharger and brake system.
The “Pink Pig” is included, as well as a scale model of the 1970 racer.
Visitors will get a rare glimpse into the technology of the 917, its evolution, brand sponsorship, as well as the transfer of technology from the 917 to subsequent Porsche racing and series production vehicles.
Interactive media stations will give attendees a more in-depth experience of the racer. There is a multitude of racing memorabilia to explore, such as posters, race circuit information, and racing exhibits.
It is an exciting and beautiful exhibit that is a fit celebration of the racing icon. For more information, go to the Porsche Museum online.