Artwork 017 / 050 is a tribute to the legendary Porsche 917, a car that forever changed the racing paradigm and put the German brand on the map in the world's most prestigious race: Le Mans. The artwork is named "Two and a half Le Mans Winners" because it features two and a half Le Mans-winning Porsche race cars and also celebrates the rich history of the iconic Porsche 917, winning two and a half times around the streets of Le Mans in its two-and-a-half-year racing career.
In 1970, the #23 Porsche 917k, chassis number 917-023 painted in this striking red and white "Salzburg" livery, driven by Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood, secured the first overall Porsche victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe. While this was a monumental achievement against all odds, many regard the Gulf-liveried 917k as Porsche's most famous race car, despite never actually winning the 24h of Le Mans. In fact, this car did not even race in Le Mans, even though it was initially scheduled to be raced in 1970 by none others than Steve McQueen and current F1 World Champion Jacky Stewart. The rise to fame for this particular 917k, chassis number 917-013/34, came from its appearance in Steve McQueen's movie "Le Mans," earning Porsche its greatest success off the track and establishing the company’s cult status around the world. Accordingly, the Porsche 917k boasts two Le Mans victories on the rack (1970 & 1971) and half a victory on the silver screen (1971).
Tragically, this very 917k with chassis number 917-013/34 was involved in a horrible accident during the production of the movie, resulting in racing driver David Piper losing his leg. As fate would have it, only 17 days separated the premiere of the film in 1971 and the fatal accident of Pedro Rodriguez– one of Porsche’s bravest and successful drivers, winning the 24h of Daytona and the 1000km of both Monza and Austria in this very #2 Porsche 917. In his memory, chassis number 917-013/34 has been raced 'For Pedro' ever since.
Alongside the two most famous Porsche 917s, Artwork 017 / 050 also features the #11 Porsche 936 in the Dior Jules livery, a car that clinched victory at Le Mans in 1981 and was driven by the most iconic duo in the history of Le Mans, Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell. It is a testament to Porsche's racing tradition at Le Mans, which originated with the pioneering Porsche 917.
Artwork 017 / 050 captures the spirit of triumph and tragedy, the glory of racing and the power of Hollywood, all intertwined in the legacy of the Porsche 917. It is a testament to the enduring fascination of these legendary machines and the unwavering spirit of those who raced them.
