[Book Review] Porsche 917 – Zuffenhausen’s Le Mans and Can-Am Champion

Porsche 917—Zuffenhausen’s Le Mans and Can-Am Champion

Introduction by Karl Ludvigsen

By now well-known to the readers of this magazine, the development of the Porsche 917, in 1969, marked Porsche’s “coming of age” in the world of international long-distance sports car racing. Over the next two years, the 917 went on to win 15 world sports car championship races, indelibly leaving its mark at places like Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans. Despite being made obsolete by rules changes, over the next several years, the 917 evolved into the dominant Can-Am machine culminating in the 917/30, which proved to be virtually unbeatable in 1973.

In the last year or two, there have been a number of new works written on the 917, which in essence, rehash much of this well-known history. In contrast, Iconografix’s latest photo essay, “Porsche 917,” tells a slightly different story. With the help of Karl Ludvigsen and his deep photographic library, this work sheds some new light on the 917 via a large number of racing, technical and development photographs, accompanied by insightful captions written by Ludvigsen. A valuable reference for any fan of the iconic 917.

Available from specialty bookshops for US$29.95 or directly from the Iconografix by calling (U.S.) 800-289-3504.