Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (320 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment rooted in historical reverence and legendary motorsport status.
4 problems reported (2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPrimitive initial aerodynamics
Made the car very scary and unstable to drive at high speed, described as a "deathtrap.".
- RecurrentExtreme power and competitiveness
Cited as a reason for regulatory bans or series cancellations (e.g., Can-Am).
- IsolatedAluminium space frame welding integrity
Chassis were filled with nitrogen to test for leaks after welding, and most were reportedly discarded for leaking.
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- IsolatedFragility in scale model form
A review of a Lego-style model notes the design is extremely fragile for play, with single-stud connections causing parts to fall apart easily.
The version owners recommend
917/30 Can-Am variant. This version is specifically highlighted for its extreme power, with reports of output ranging from 1,100 hp to over 1,580 hp with boost turned up, and its complete dominance of the Can-Am series. It is credited as a key factor in the series' demise due to its performance advantage.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari 512, Porsche 908, Ford GT40 and Lancia Stratos.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment rooted in historical reverence and legendary motorsport status. The vehicle is universally celebrated as an iconic, dominant, and technologically groundbreaking race car from a raw and dangerous era of motorsport. It is frequently described as a "monster on the track" and an "insane machine." Specific praise centers on its engineering, particularly the powerful flat-12 engine, its significant racing history including victories at Le Mans and dominance in the Can-Am series, and its timeless, aggressive design. The consensus indicates it is held in the highest esteem as a pinnacle of racing achievement and a symbol of Porsche's engineering prowess.
Positioning vs competitors
Historically positioned as a dominant force that exploited a regulatory loophole, allowing it to run a 5.0-liter engine in the "Sports Car" category against 3.0-liter prototypes, leading to its eventual reclassification or rule changes. In Can-Am, it is described as having been "too powerful," effectively "killing" the series due to its overwhelming dominance with the turbocharged 917/30 variant. It is positioned as superior in performance and power output to its contemporaries, though noted as initially being a "deathtrap" with primitive aerodynamics before development.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for practical purchase or configuration recommendations. Discussions are historical and observational.
General recommendations
Suitable only for historical appreciation, museum display, or ultra-exclusive collector circles. Not a vehicle for practical ownership or road use. Enthusiasts recommend studying its engineering and race history to appreciate its significance. No modern purchasing advice is present in the data.
Remarks
The provided data consists almost entirely of historical discussion, media shares, and speculative conversation about a potential modern homage or trademark filing. There is no substantive data from actual long-term owners or operators of the vehicle, as it is an extremely rare and historic race car. The "dangerous" reputation is consistently tied to its early development phase, which was subsequently solved through aerodynamic revisions leading to the successful "K" (Kurzheck) variant. The reported power figure of "over 1500 hp" for the 917/30 is a legendary, frequently cited statistic within the community. Analysis based on historical and enthusiast commentary, not operational ownership experience.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
4.5 V12
4.5L 12-cylinder · 520 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1969–1970