Porsche 917 x17

The Cars and Drivers in Studio

By: Jeffery R Zwart & Foreword By: Derek Bell

Forty years after its 1969 debut, racing fans still regard the Porsche 917 with awe as one the greatest sports cars ever built. In Porsche 917 X 17: The Cars and Drivers in Studio, renowned automotive photographer and director Jeff Zwart follows up his award-winning book, Porsche Rennsport, with exquisitely rendered images of 17 of the most beautiful and historic 917s. Highlights include the first Porsche to win Le Mans overall, the 917K shared by Richard Attwood and Hans Hermann; the Gulf-Wyer 917K shared by Pedro RodrÕguez and Jackie Oliver in 1971; and the notorious ñPink Pigî„a 917/20 that was raced just once by Willi Kauhsen in 1971.

Using dramatic angles and controlled lighting, Zwart provides a fresh perspective on these iconic cars. He reveals each 917Ís distinctive characteristics and patina, and shows artful technical details from inside the cockpit, chassis, and engine compartments. These photographs are accompanied by engaging portraits and vivid recollections from 15 Porsche drivers„including Derek Bell, Vic Elford, Brian Redman, and Hurley Haywood„who look back on the anticipation, fear, and excitement they felt driving the 917.

With its heavy matte art paper, spot varnish, metallic silver ink, and cloth-covered slipcase, the bookÍs high-quality production is as lavish as ZwartÍs photography. Of all the recently published 917 books this one stands alone in offering Porschephiles an all-new take on the cars and drivers.

While the memory of many successful racing cars fades with time, that of the 917 has endured, passing not just into Porsche history but motorsport folklore itself. Amazing when you consider it raced for just five short seasons 40 years ago. The word ñlegendî is overused generally and in racing circles particularly, but if any car can be said to be worthy of it, the 917 surely is. Derek Bell

If youÍre as taken by the Porsche 917 as we are, Jeffrey R. ZwartÍs fantastic new book is a must . . . . Without doubt, this book has the makings of a classic. Road & Track

A compelling, exquisitely presented book. AutoWeek

Hardback, 380 x 250mm, 279 pages, 100 colour & 90 b&w illustrations