Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917K (often mistakenly referred to as 917KN) is one of the most iconic race cars in automotive history, largely due to its starring role in McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans. Here’s a detailed description:
Overview
The Porsche 917K is a legendary endurance racing car developed by Porsche for the FIA World Sportscar Championship. The “K” stands for Kurzheck (German for “short tail”), referring to its shortened tail design for improved aerodynamics and high-speed stability.
Steve McQueen Connection
McQueen used the Porsche 917K extensively in the making of Le Mans (1971).
While McQueen himself didn’t race it during the 24 Hours of Le Mans (insurance restrictions prevented him from competing), he drove the car during filming for realistic in-car shots.
The car seen in the movie was painted in the iconic Gulf Oil livery: light blue with orange stripes.
Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.5L, 4.9L, or 5.0L flat-12 (depending on the year/version)
Power Output: ~600–630 hp
Top Speed: Up to 240 mph (386 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight
Chassis: Lightweight aluminum space frame
Weight: ~800 kg (1,764 lbs)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Design Features
Aerodynamics: The original 917 had stability issues, so the “K” short tail design improved downforce and reduced high-speed lift.
Cockpit: Extremely minimalistic, designed purely for racing with no comfort features.
Brakes: Ventilated discs for endurance reliability.
Exhaust Note: A signature high-pitched flat-12 wail, one of the most iconic sounds in motorsport.
Legacy
The Porsche 917K dominated endurance racing in 1970 and 1971, winning Le Mans both years.
McQueen’s film immortalized the car, making it a cultural icon beyond motorsport.
Today, original 917Ks (especially those linked to Le Mans or McQueen) are among the most valuable collector cars in the world, often worth tens of millions of dollars.
Hand Built Agora Models Porsche 917K – 1:8 Scale Model Kit
Experience the thrill of one of the most iconic race cars in motorsport history with the Agora Models Porsche 917K. This stunning 1:8 scale model faithfully recreates the legendary car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the early 1970s, delivering unmatched detail and craftsmanship.
Key Features:
✔ Precision Engineering – Every component is meticulously crafted to capture the authentic details of the original Porsche 917K, from the aerodynamic bodywork to the smallest engine elements.
✔ Massive 1:8 Scale – At over 23 inches (59 cm) long, this model makes a true statement in any collection.
✔ Die-Cast Metal & High-Quality Materials – Built for durability and realism, with metal body panels and detailed interior components.
✔ Working Features – Functional steering, suspension, and authentic engine detailing, opening doors, lights and a realistic reording of the engine for a lifelike experience.
✔ Historic Livery – Features the iconic Gulf racing colors, making it a true tribute to motorsport heritage.
Perfect for collectors and Porsche enthusiasts alike.
A center piece display piece that celebrates racing history.
A satisfying build that results in museum-quality realism.
Own a piece of racing legend with the Agora Porsche 917K 1:8 Scale Model – the ultimate tribute to an endurance racing icon.
Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917K (often mistakenly referred to as 917KN) is one of the most iconic race cars in automotive history, largely due to its starring role in McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans. Here’s a detailed description:
Overview
The Porsche 917K is a legendary endurance racing car developed by Porsche for the FIA World Sportscar Championship. The “K” stands for Kurzheck (German for “short tail”), referring to its shortened tail design for improved aerodynamics and high-speed stability.
Steve McQueen Connection
McQueen used the Porsche 917K extensively in the making of Le Mans (1971).
While McQueen himself didn’t race it during the 24 Hours of Le Mans (insurance restrictions prevented him from competing), he drove the car during filming for realistic in-car shots.
The car seen in the movie was painted in the iconic Gulf Oil livery: light blue with orange stripes.
Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.5L, 4.9L, or 5.0L flat-12 (depending on the year/version)
Power Output: ~600–630 hp
Top Speed: Up to 240 mph (386 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight
Chassis: Lightweight aluminum space frame
Weight: ~800 kg (1,764 lbs)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Design Features
Aerodynamics: The original 917 had stability issues, so the “K” short tail design improved downforce and reduced high-speed lift.
Cockpit: Extremely minimalistic, designed purely for racing with no comfort features.
Brakes: Ventilated discs for endurance reliability.
Exhaust Note: A signature high-pitched flat-12 wail, one of the most iconic sounds in motorsport.
Legacy
The Porsche 917K dominated endurance racing in 1970 and 1971, winning Le Mans both years.
McQueen’s film immortalized the car, making it a cultural icon beyond motorsport.
Today, original 917Ks (especially those linked to Le Mans or McQueen) are among the most valuable collector cars in the world, often worth tens of millions of dollars.
Hand Built Agora Models Porsche 917K – 1:8 Scale Model Kit
Experience the thrill of one of the most iconic race cars in motorsport history with the Agora Models Porsche 917K. This stunning 1:8 scale model faithfully recreates the legendary car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the early 1970s, delivering unmatched detail and craftsmanship.
Key Features:
✔ Precision Engineering – Every component is meticulously crafted to capture the authentic details of the original Porsche 917K, from the aerodynamic bodywork to the smallest engine elements.
✔ Massive 1:8 Scale – At over 23 inches (59 cm) long, this model makes a true statement in any collection.
✔ Die-Cast Metal & High-Quality Materials – Built for durability and realism, with metal body panels and detailed interior components.
✔ Working Features – Functional steering, suspension, and authentic engine detailing, opening doors, lights and a realistic reording of the engine for a lifelike experience.
✔ Historic Livery – Features the iconic Gulf racing colors, making it a true tribute to motorsport heritage.
Perfect for collectors and Porsche enthusiasts alike.
A center piece display piece that celebrates racing history.
A satisfying build that results in museum-quality realism.
Own a piece of racing legend with the Agora Porsche 917K 1:8 Scale Model – the ultimate tribute to an endurance racing icon.
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