Porsche 917’s Road Legend

The Porsche 917’s Legendary Journey from Track to Street

In the world of motorsports, the Porsche 917 holds a pedestal. Developed under the watchful eye of Ferdinand Piech to claim victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it did just that—and more. While the 917 was initially crafted to dominate the racetracks, a special version touched everyday roads, thanks to an intriguing figure—Count Teofilo Guiscardo Rossi di Montelera.

Count Rossi’s Dream Car

Count Rossi, heir to the Martini & Rossi empire and a notable athlete with accolades in powerboat racing and bobsledding, had a penchant for Porsches. In 1971, after the brand’s celebrated win at Le Mans with their 917K, Count Rossi approached Porsche to create a street-legal masterpiece. The result? A uniquely converted 917K, a car that once retired from competition, was carefully reimagined to his liking.

Designing a Road-Ready 917K

This particular 917K, with chassis number 30, transitioned from track beast to road warrior. Reimagining a race car for daily roads wasn’t simple, but Porsche added the necessary features for legality: rudimentary exhaust mufflers, additional mirrors, side indictors, and a horn. The road-legal transformation also included a spare tire tucked under its magnificent rear end.

The Unique Interior

Inside, the 917 was as utilitarian as they come, echoing simplicity. Unlike modern luxury transform cars like the McLaren F1, the interior didn’t boast opulence. It had the essentials: steering wheel, gear lever, pedals, instruments, harnesses, and two endurance racing regulation-mandated seats. However, in a nod to elegance, Porsche upgraded the seats with Hermes leather.

An Enthralling Driving Experience

Driving this 917 on regular roads must feel like balancing a raw power keg. Its Flat-12 engine roars with a might that underlines the best of racing engineering. Imagine cruising in a car designed with the ethos of motorsport at heart, the vibrations and feedback through the wooden gear shifter, the type reintroduced decades later in the Carrera GT, adds a tangible connection to the original racing DNA.

From Past to Present

Today, this street-optimized 917K strolls through the scenic routes of southern France. Bearing UK license plates, it’s not just a relic resting in garages. A recent restoration ensured its original Martini Silver glow was retained, and its engines continue the roar of the past. With time moving towards electrification in vehicles, this Porsche eloquently captures the charm and romance of a bygone era—one that enthusiasts would toast to with a tasteful Martini Rosso in tribute to Count Rossi’s legacy.