To racing fans and Porsche enthusiasts alike, the mighty Porsche 917 ushered in a thrilling and all-too-brief era from 1969 through 1971 as the world’s dominant endurance racer. In addition to its incredible performance and almost otherworldly body design, the 917 was campaigned to great effect by the Martini Racing team and often finished in unforgettable, multicolor paint schemes. One of the most memorable among them was Chassis No. 917-021, a 917K (“Kurzheck,” or “short-tail”) variant, featuring groovy, psychedelic green and purple livery. Extensively campaigned by Martini International Racing in 1970, 917- 021 earned numerous podiums and wins in sports car races throughout Europe and created a sensation when it contested the 1970 Watkins Glen 6 Hours with co-drivers Gijs van Lennep and Gérard Larrousse. Celebrating 917-021, this 917K replica is the product of a four- year build, commissioned to top-quality “tool room” standards and completed in 2017 by Andrew Keiller of Melbourne, Australia. Based on an accurate LMK 4130 chromoly tubular chassis featuring correct front and rear A-arms, uprights and steering, this 917K replica is powered by a Porsche 3.6L/360 HP air-cooled flat 6-cylinder engine, equipped with twin- plug ignition, a vertical flat fan assembly, MoTeC engine management system, 44mm EFI throttle bodies with 36-pound injectors, and dry-sump lubrication with a 4-gallon oil tank. Spent combustion gases are removed by 1.75-inch primary equal-length headers to collectors feeding a 3-inch exhaust. A Porsche 915 5-speed manual transmission and locking rear differential deliver the power. Other highlights include a hydraulic front body lift system, NACA ducts on the rear wings, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, coilover suspension, twin 38L fuel tanks and front and rear tow eyes. Safety features include a Lifeline Fire Zero 2000 onboard fire-suppression system. The driver is greeted by a 3-spoke MOMO steering wheel and original 917-style laminated beechwood shift knob, Alcantara-trimmed dashboard, and a chrome roof-mounted rearview mirror. Other competition features include inside and outside battery cut-off switches, driver and passenger racing seats, and five-point racing harnesses, plus enclosed headlights. Period-correct five-spoke, center-lock alloy wheels mount Dunlop CR82 racing tires, measuring 430/1160-15 front and 530/1500-15 rear. Kept in a climate-controlled shop, this comprehensive and highly detailed tribute to the famous Martini Racing Porsche 917-021 is titled for street use but also eligible for historic racing events. Accompanying items include previously removed mufflers and a custom quick-pit knock-off wheel tool, plus ownership history.
