Description
The Porsche 917 KH (Kurzheck — “short tail”) emerged in 1970 as Porsche’s answer to the demands of endurance racing aerodynamics. Developed from the original long-tail 917, the KH variant shortened and reshaped the rear bodywork to improve stability at high speed, solving the early car’s notorious handling issues. Powered by Porsche’s lightweight, air-cooled flat-12 engine, the 917 KH delivered immense power and reliability — critical traits for 24-hour competition.
The 917 KH secured Porsche’s first-ever overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, followed by another triumph in 1971. With cars campaigned by teams such as Gulf/Wyer and Martini Racing, the 917 KH became synonymous with speed, spectacle, and engineering audacity. Beyond racing success, it cemented Porsche’s dominance in endurance racing and remains one of the most celebrated sports prototypes ever built — a defining machine of motorsport’s golden era.
