50 years ago today – April 28, 1975 – a one-off Porsche 917 left the company’s Weissach development centre. Unlike every other 917 race car before it, it wasn’t headed to a track, but rather out on public roads.
Fuelled by the passion of a private owner and a small team within Porsche dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of such dedicated customers, no matter how outlandish, this drive wasn’t a simple lap around the block.
Instead, it was a journey covering several hundred miles all the way to Paris – a feat that would go on to inspire many future adventures for the Porsche brand and its customers.
That particular 917 was chassis number 30, and it featured a number of changes that helped it dominate the endurance racing circuit in the early 1970s. Some enhancements were mandated by the regulations of the time, and others by the request of its owner, Italian businessman and Martine heir Gregorio Rossi di Montelera. Known more simply as ‘Count Rossi’, he was a renowned powerboat racer, bobsledder, and of course a Porsche enthusiast.
This particular 917 was finished in Martini Silver and featured rudimentary exhaust mufflers, additional mirrors, side indicators, and a horn. A mandatory spare tyre was also fitted beneath the rear clamshell, while it wore an Alabama license plate – ‘61-277 37’.
Inside, there were some minor comfort-focused enhancements including Hermes tan leather on the seats, and suede door cards, dashboard trim, and headlining. There were still some nods to the original racing specification, though, such as the same wooden gear shifter and a drilled, lightweight key.
The same car is still gracing public roads today, now residing in the south of France. It nowadays wears UK plates – ‘959 DAK’ – and was recently restored, although maintaining the original paintwork and interior.
As Porsche reflects on the anniversary of this milestone journey, it’s clear that there are still some within the company who want to pull off the same feat in today’s age.
The rumour mill is turning with suggestions that Porsche may create a road-legal version of one of its current racing cars, most likely the 963 prototype. The company has confirmed it will be making an announcement in June 2025, likely at or around the time of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
