Porsche 917 X17

Book excerpt: 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 Rodriguez and Jackie Oliver in 1971; and the notorious "Pink Pig" - 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 917's 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 book's high-quality production is as lavish as Zwart's photography. Of all the recently published 917 books this one stands alone in offering Porschephiles an all-new take on the cars and drivers.