OVERVIEW
Click here to view high resolution photos
Chassis 917-005 – Rebuilt to Race Another Day
Qualified Pole Position by Joe Siffert at the 1969 Spa 1000km
1969 Le Mans 24 Hours – Entered & Driven by John Woolfe (Accident on Lap 1)
4.5 Liter Flat-12 engine
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Stunning Longtail Configuration
The Porsche 917, unveiled in 1969, stands as a testament to Porsche's commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsport. The 917 has etched its name in the annals of racing history. It was the first 917 to be raced as well as reaching pole position in its first qualifier at the 1969 Circuit De Spa on May 11th, 1969, piloted by Joe Siffert. Its next official race would be shortly after at the 24 hours of Le Mans in June of 1969. This was the first 917 to be raced by Porsche, and it stirred attention from all over.
Porsche's journey to create the 917 was marked by ambition and innovation. While their earlier models, like the 904 Carrera GT, 906, and 908 had succeeded, they often fell behind giants like the GT40 and Ferrari Prototypes. Porsche saw an opportunity with the introduction of the 5-liter sports car class, known as Group 4. They embarked on a bold venture to build 25 examples of a 5-liter prototype, aiming for the World Sports Car Championship.
One of these was Porsche 917-005, a marvel of engineering. Drawing inspiration from the 908, Porsche engineers crafted a lightweight yet powerful race car. The chassis, made from aluminum instead of steel, weighed a mere 93 lbs. The car's design ensured the driver and the massive 4.5-liter flat-12 engine fit snugly within its compact frame. Every aspect, from the double wishbone suspension system to the titanium-made parts, was meticulously crafted for optimal performance.
917-005 is more than just its technical specifications. It carries a story—one of triumph, passion, and tragedy. British privateer John Woolfe was the first customer of this automotive marvel. John Woolfe was a successful British racing driver known for his participation in various international and domestic racing events such as the 24 hours of LeMans, 1000km of Nurburgring, and Silverstone. He was particularly noted for his skill and competitiveness in sports car racing. Woolfe had competed in numerous races leading up to Le Mans, showcasing his talent and passion for motorsport. Woolfe dreamed of racing the Porsche 917 at the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, fate had other plans. A tragic accident during the race at LeMans claimed Woolfe's life on June 14th, 1969, marking a somber chapter in the 917-005's history.
The death of John Woolfe changed the rules of LeMans forever. After the crash, the car was loaded onto a truck and shipped back to Weissach. From 1969 to the early 1980’s, the car sat under a tarp in Weissach. The damaged car was taken apart and the frame was thrown away before 1982. The car remained the property of John Woolfe Racing. By the early 1980’s, Porsche enthusiast and racing driver Willi Kauhsen purchased a large quantity of 917 spare parts, in which a lot of those parts were from John Woolfe’s 917-005.
By January of 2012, the rights to rebuild 917-005 were acquired from David Riswick, the current owner of John Woolfe Racing, and previous business partner of John Woolfe himself. It was then decided that 917-005 would be rebuilt to honor John Woolfe’s life and legacy for what he meant to the world of racing. With the rights to the car in hand and Norbert Singer as the head engineer of the project, along with Willi Kauhsen who had previous racing experience with Porsche 908’s and 917’s, the rebuild had officially began.
Over the next couple of years, the team breathed new life into the memory of the 005, rebuilding the car to its original essence and glory. The team secured the original 917 plans from Porsche. With that, the team sourced the original tubing to build the frame exactly as it was in 1969. The rebuild was sourced with factory Porsche parts from other 917’s, as well as rebuilt parts from Woolfe’s 917 that Willi Kauhsen acquired years prior. The windshield was sourced from extra stock via the original windshield manufacturer, that sat on a shelf unused for 40 years. In doing this, every part is truly authentic and to original specification as it was from 1969.
Today, the Porsche 917-005 stands as a symbol of the intertwined nature of motorsport—where innovation meets passion and where dreams are pursued at the very edge of speed and skill. It serves as a poignant reminder of the stories and dreams carried by each car, echoing the spirit of those who dared to push boundaries.
Beyond its racing accolades, the 917's cultural impact is undeniable, especially after its starring role in Steve McQueen's movie, "Le Mans." This car wasn't just about speed; it symbolized power, engineering prowess, and a passion for racing.
Standing today, this 917 holds a special and significant place in automotive racing history. With every piece being looked over with meticulous detail, 917-005 resembles the memorial of the one and only John Woolfe, as well as preserving the history that this 917 bestowed upon the world. This 917 also has its FIA passport and is qualified to race historic races anywhere in the world.
Historical Timeline:
4.21.1969 - FIA homologation presentation
5.11.1969 – Spa 1000km, Qualified Pole Position, Driven by Joe Siffert
5.13.1969 - Le Mans Preparation
6.14.1969 - Le Mans 24h, Driven by Woolfe/Linge, DNF
