Last Porsche 917 to Race in Le Mans Set to Fetch $5.4 Million At Auction

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In the world of classic motorsport, few names resonate as powerfully as the Porsche 917, a vehicle that redefined endurance racing in its heyday. This May, one of the most iconic examples of this legendary race car, chassis No. 917-K81, will take center stage at the RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction. Known for its formidable presence on the track, this particular 917K not only represents the pinnacle of Porsche's racing heritage but also stands as the last 917 to have graced the Circuit de la Sarthe at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Introduced in 1969, the Porsche 917 quickly became the car to beat in the World Sportscar Championship, with the marque rolling out 25 units initially to meet homologation requirements. The car's evolution saw the introduction of the 917K (Kurzheck) variant, equipped with a more potent 5.0-liter engine capable of unleashing up to 630 horsepower. However, chassis No. 917-K81's story is even more remarkable due to its significant hiatus from racing before making a competitive return at the 1981 Le Mans race, under the banner of Cologne-based Kremer Racing.