Arguably one of the most iconic race cars in the history of motorsport, the 917K did not have to wait long for success. On its public debut at the 1970 Daytona 24 Hours, John Wyer's Gulf-sponsored team finished 1-2 in the race, with the winning car breaking the distance record by 190 miles. This victory effectively began the 917K's domination of the World Sportscar Championship for the next two seasons. Porsche’s first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans soon followed, a momentous occasion for the German marque, but only one of many more to follow. Triumphs that year came quickly and resoundingly and, in total, the 917K’s first full year of competition would bring seven major victories. 1971 was no different, with six major victories topped by another overall win at Le Mans. Later that year, development of the Can-Am version would start, a car so dominant that the series lost popularity in the United States, never to return.

Today, the 917K is revered as one of the most iconic race cars of all time. It was the car that brought Porsche its first overall victory at the world’s most gruelling race, and the car that would go on to set one of the most impressive records of dominance in prototype racing series the world has ever seen. If its racing achievements alone were not enough, the car would go on to be immortalized on the big screen by Steve McQueen in the film ‘Le Mans’.