Color blend and legend: the different and best liveries of the Porsche 917

The Porsche 917 has become a living legend in automotive history, and that is why today we want to pay tribute to it with a selection of its five best liveries.

The colours of decals and paint are an inseparable part of the Motorsport division of Porsche, just as the flat-six engine is. In the latest episode of the Porsche Top 5 series, the German brand reviews five iconic liveries featured on various versions of the Porsche 917.

Which are the best liveries of the Porsche 917?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBuVbEwDsxo

No. 5: Porsche 917-001 in green/white two-tone paint

A historic model! This unit with the number 917-001 was built as a demonstration vehicle. The idea was to turn it into a show car for the 1969 Geneva Motor Show. It arrived on time, although its completion came just two days before the doors opened. For the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 917, the latest available 3D technology was used to restore this model and return it to its original condition, including the green and white paint that adorned its bodywork.

No. 4: Porsche 917/20 “Pink Pig”

Number 4 in this ranking is the Porsche 917/20, also known by the nickname “Pink Pig” because of its predominant colour and the markings that show the cuts of meat on this animal. It was designed in 1971. This vehicle is valued not only for its eye-catching livery but also for its greater width (24 centimetres) and for the aerodynamic improvements adopted.

No. 3: “long-tail” 917 in Martini colours

Number 3 is a car that also dates from 1971. We are talking about the Porsche 917 “long-tail”, with the recognisable Martini colour scheme. This unit owes its name to its long tail, which acts as a large spoiler to generate better aerodynamic downforce. One year before adopting the colours of the famous drinks brand, this model, with a psychedelic pattern of green and purple stripes, failed to complete the 24 Hours of Le Mans due to an engine failure. Unfortunately, it also could not finish the following year’s race. But not everything was bad memories, as this Porsche 917 was the first vehicle to set a record average speed of more than 240 km/h on the Sarthe circuit.

No. 2: 917 with the Gulf livery

The second step of the podium is occupied by a true Hollywood star. The light blue and orange finish of this Porsche 917 became famous mainly because of its appearance in the film Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans”. Even today it is one of the models that best retain their value, and it has become one of the best liveries of the Porsche 917.

No. 1: 917 in Salzburg Red

At the top spot is the 917 in Salzburg Red. Based on the tones of the Austrian flag, this racing car gave Porsche its first Le Mans victory in 1970.