Porsche 917 LH (long-tail)

1971

The 1971 Porsche 917 LH is almost synonymous with the exceptional Vic Elford and his race at Le Mans. In 1970, the British driver achieved the fastest practice time and is first to break the 240 km/h barrier. His average speed is 242.685 km/h, and in the race Elford hits 241.236 km/h to achieve the fastest lap of the race. However, on the Sunday morning, engine failure cuts short his race with teammate Kurt Ahrens. One year later, Elford returns to race with Gérard Larrousse in the same car. After intensive wind tunnel testing resulting in the development of covered rear wheels, the right-hand kink at the end of the Mulsanne straight can now be taken at a full speed of 380 km/h. On the Saturday evening, Larrousse and Elford break down with an overheated engine. This race is the last in Elford’s extremely successful five-year term as a Porsche works driver. His wins during this period include the Monte Carlo rally, the 24 hours of Daytona, the 12 hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio.

Year: 1971
Engine: 12-cylinder V 180˚
Displacement: 4,907 ccm
Output: 441 kW (600 PS)
Weight: 800 kg
Top speed: 386 km/h

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