Porsche 917K (MFH): Complete, finally (#6 for 2023)

Porsche's road race team in 1970: the 917K for high speed tracks and the 908/03 for the twisty ones. Both versions here were driven by Brian Redman and Jo Siffert in 1970: they DNFed in car #20 at Le Mans, but took first place in car #12 at the Targa Florio. 

There are lots of similarities: the chassis are essentially identical, with the same wheelbase, suspension and cockpit layout; the 917K makes room for the flat 12 by hanging the gearbox out behind the final drive, while the gearbox is between the flat 8 and the final drive in the 908/03.

 

 

 

Both are classics. The 908/03 in particular was a minimalist little go-cart, with 380 hp and only 650 kg curb weight; perfect for twisty tracks with lots of tight corners and very short straights.

Among Model Factory Hiro 1/24 scale kits, these are among the most detailed but also the most difficult to get right, and I am glad they are finally both on the shelf, major flaws and all. I opened up the box for the 908/03 in October 2014, and finished it over four years later in January 2019; I opened up the 917K in January 2021 and completed it today (#6 for 2023). 

Jerry Seinfeld, a noted Porsche collector, owns both these cars today. Shows massive levels of good taste, I'd say. 

So the bench is (almost) clear. The DB3S is almost done and I may as well tackle it. Stay tuned!