The Porsche 917 stands as one of the most coveted and valuable race cars in history. Despite its high value, many owners are not hesitant to take theirs out on the track. Recently, one such 917 spent time at the Nürburgring, and thanks to modern cameras, we can experience what it's like to drive this legendary machine firsthand.
This particular 917, adorned in its iconic green and white livery, was once the property of racing icon David Piper. Piper used this car to compete in races during the early 1970s, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Currently, it is cared for by PS Automobile, a German dealership specializing in historic events.
The company's YouTube channel recently attached a camera to the helmet of the driver during an event at the Nürburgring's Grand Prix track, offering viewers a glimpse into the experience of piloting this iconic Porsche racer. The ultra-compact cockpit dominates the visual, with only a narrow strip of windshield visible from the driver's perspective. The shifter is positioned directly beside the driver's right leg, and the steering wheel sits in their lap. Without power steering or power brakes, driving the 917 is undoubtedly a challenging task.
Although not pushed to its full potential, the 917 effortlessly outpaces every other car on the track, including some modern Porsche GT models and a Ferrari F40. Despite being over 50 years old, this car remains remarkably fast by contemporary standards. More impressive than its speed is the sound of its naturally aspirated flat-12 engine, widely regarded as one of the best-sounding race engines ever. From the driver's seat, the intake noise is all-encompassing, a feature that only adds to the car's allure.
