Porsche 917

Glen Smale is a talented researcher and writer on automotive subjects with a special interest in Porsche. His books for Haynes include Porsche: The Carrera Dynasty and Jaguar E-type: Portrait of a Design Icon, for which he received the Laurin and Klement 'Design Writer of the Year' award in 2007.

The rationale behind the 917's thinking in the late 1960s. Design and development - raiding the parts bin; new engine layout; problems in early testing. The 917 goes racing - from 'zero to hero'; charting the growing pains. In a 24-month period, the 917 transformed the international motor racing scene and became an icon of speed, and the envy of the pitlane. After conquering the European sports car racing scene, the 917/10 and 917/30 were unleashed on the North American CanAm scene, and again demolished the opposition. The Porsche 917/30 is still the most powerful sports racer ever built, with a staggering 1500bhp. The pictures tell the story, with supporting text containing relevant factory accounts of the car's development, including interviews with engineers (Klaus Bischof, Jurgen Barth, Herbert Linge, Hans Mezger, Norbert Singer) and drivers (David Piper, Derek Bell, Jackie Oliver, Brian Redman, Richard Attwood).