Porsche 917 The Autobiography of 917-023
By Ian Wagstaff
Racing teams competing at Le Mans try hard to get the right car and driver combinations together to give them the best chance of taking the ultimate prize in sports car racing. More often than not the trials and tribulations of a full-out attack of a 24-hour race takes its toll and those strong pairings are often beset with problems, mechanical or otherwise, that either curtails their progress in the event, or retires them from the race altogether, leaving an unfancied combination to take the ultimate honor and accolade as the checkered flag falls. The 1970 Le Mans was such a race, where Porsche finally reached what was becoming a bridge too far with Herrmann and Attwood aboard 917-023 as the unlikely victors.
In this new book, accomplished author Ian Wagstaff explains in full detail the road Porsche took to that ultimate maiden victory. Many of those who played a part in the story from designers, to engineers, mechanics and, of course, the drivers, have been interviewed at length, giving each an opportunity to add their individual part in the ultimate jigsaw of how Porsche 917-023, Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood prevailed to take La Sarthe’s checkered flag on that Sunday afternoon in June 1970.
Not only is the full genealogy of 917-023 traced in this edition of “The Great Cars” series, but the all the races in which it competed and the subsequent afterlife of the car are detailed too. Although lengthy, some 320 pages, Wagstaff writes in his usual engaging style. Some 300 photos complement the meticulously researched text, with images selected from the Porsche Archive together with material from other photographic agencies, individual contributors, the author and dynamic studio photos of 917-023 taken exclusively for Wagstaff’s account.
This excellent book, second in the Porter Press series of “The Great Cars” is not only for Porsche and sports car fans, but for all motor racing enthusiasts. Those who collect books may also realize the investment potential of “The Great Cars” series adding this to the first title, Jaguar Lightweight E-Type—The Autobiography of
4 WPD, and place orders for future titles too. No doubt Wagstaff will pick up further literary awards for this truly prestigious work.
- The book is available in standard edition – £60.00 + P&P,
- Or, a limited leather bound de-luxe edition – £250.00 + P&P.
- Contact Porter Press International www.porterpress.co.uk for further details
