One of the most famous 917s is back centre stage

Porsche is the most successful manufacturer ever at the Le Mans 24 Hours and it was the iconic 917 that kick-started the marque’s remarkable winning history. And of all the examples, chassis 024-2 is one of the most famous – and it could be yours.

Built outside of the 25-car homologation run purely for comparison purposes against the longtail variant, it replaced the original 024 that was scrapped (as chassis 006). And even though it never raced, in the hugely capable hands of Brian Redman and Mike Hailwood chassis 024-2 set the fastest times during the 1970 Le Mans test to set the foundations for the marque to secure its first victory at Le Mans two months later. Wrapped in one of the most recognisable liveries ever, 024-2 was owned for many years by Jo Siffert who then leased it to Steve McQueen for use in Le Mans, where it shot to fame.

It was chassis 024-2 that led Siffert’s funeral procession in 1971, and having remained hidden for around 25 years in a private collection in Paris the car emerged in 2001 as one of the most remarkable ‘barn find’ discoveries ever. Now this incredible machine is set to become one of the most significant cars to ever go to public auction, when it headlines at Pebble Beach later this year. For anyone with a spare $16,000,000, this is a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of motor racing history. 

Read more

• Chad McQueen sheds more light on his father’s Le Mans
• How Porsche dethroned the GT40 to inherit Ford’s crown

917-024-02 images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photos by Mathieu Heurtault.