(By Scott Liggett) – I knew of the Porsche 917 from pictures I discovered in my school library. I dug through every book that was on automobiles multiple times over that my junior high and high school libraries had on their shelves. During that time, I watched as much of the Le Mans coverage that I could on TV. The race cars of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s that blasted down the Mulsanne Straight were all absolutely gorgeous. But, Porsche’s 917 was my favorite.
While I read all about the iconic flat 12 cylinder engine that powered the 917’s, I first heard their wonderful roar when I watched the movie “Le Mans”. That 1971 movie starring the legendary Steve McQueen lacked a lot of drippy dialogue. it focused on the racing with the sounds of those Porsche’s, Ferrari’s, and others as they charged around the circuit. It was music to my ears. It is also one of the few movies I turn the volume way they hell up when watching.
That brings us to this video we found on Youtube. It is all about the 1970 Porsche 917K under the blue and white livery of Zito Racing. It starts out with the Porsche starting up for a few minutes of warm up. At the 3.39 mark you get to see and, more importantly, hear it, get out on the track. The Porsche is out on Monza’s road course all by itself while the Porsche’s flat 12 wakes up all the forest animals that surround the track.
Turn your volume up way, way loud and sit back and listen.
I could listen to that sound all day long
What is it about that flat 12 going up through the gears? The sound reverberating off the stands at full song is magical.