RCR 917

The 917 was the most powerful sports car ever made at the time. With "over 1200" horsepower (Porsche was coy about the actual power output) available from the twin-turbo, flat-12 variant, it dominated sports car racing for years. It was also the poster child for a car that needed aerodynamic development in its early iterations, only taming the effects of the air at very high speeds late in its development cycle. It was also known for being a little squirrely at speed, in part because of the relatively flexible tube frame chassis.

The original cars that remain are usually too expensive to race in anger, so they are mostly reserved for exhibitions and static displays. But the same gut-wrenching performance – with modern safety additions – can be yours, with the RCR 917.

Like all RCR cars, it has a fiberglass body (like the original), but unlike the fragile small-tube frame of the originals, it shares the same architecture of all RCR cars, and has an aluminum monocoque center (with tube-frame front and rear, to better mimic the original when the nose and tail are removed). A pure tube frame chassis is available on special order, and at higher cost (there is a picture of it in the gallery below).

The RCR 917 is even streetable, with a DOT-legal windshield, headlights and taillights.

And best of all, if you don't have a spare Porsche flat-12 laying around, you can fit the ubiquitous Chevy LS-series engines, and make as much or more power than the originals. Or use a turbo or normally-aspirated Porsche flat 6. Just be sure you can handle the power!

Specifications

  • Drive: Left-hand or right hand drive
  • Overall Length: 188"
  • Width: 80"
  • Height: 36"
  • Wheelbase: 90.6"
  • Weight: 2,100 lbs
  • Weight Distribution: 45% front, 55% rear (typical, depends on drivetrain and other choices)
  • Ground Clearance: 3-5", depending on setup
  • Drivetrain Configuration: mid engine
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gallons total
  • Suspension: Similar to original
  • Chassis Construction: Aluminum monocoque cab, with tubular rear chassis section recreating the original 917, consisting of sheet and billet parts, completely TIG-welded
  • Body Construction: Fiberglass body