One of the most recognizable Porsche 917Ks ever made

While many consider the Porsche 917K a hero, this particular example–chassis No. 917-022–is a hero in more ways than one.

This 917K served as the hero car during the filming of the 1971 film “Le Mans,” driven extensively by Steve McQueen during the film’s iconic race sequences.

After filming ended, the car would change hands many times, with the most notable owners including Team Auto Usdau’s Reinhold Joest (who campaigned the car throughout the 1971 racing season), Brian Redman and Richard Attwood.

Photograph Courtesy Mecum

More recently, in August of 2024, the Porsche was restored to the same specifications as seen in the movie–including the modifications made to mount the cinema cameras used for filming.

Photograph Courtesy Mecum

Find this 1970 Porsche 917K for auction from Mecum on January 18, 2025.

A day late! I was thinking of this car yesterday, of course, as it was 9/17. 

A different car, of course, but a favorite shot of another Gulf 917 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from 2022. Until I make it to Goodwood, Car Week is probably the only time you'll see the course workers holding a 250 GTO while a 917 passes...