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Porsche Commemorates Fifty Years Since The First Public Road Drive Of The Iconic 917 Race Car
In 1975, a unique Porsche 917 left the Weissach development centre for an unusual journey. Unlike its predecessors, this car ventured onto public roads, beginning an adventurous trip that ended in Paris. This journey was driven by the passion of a private owner and a dedicated Porsche team eager to meet customer demands, no matter how unconventional.
The Porsche 917 chassis 30, initially designed for racing, underwent several modifications. These changes were partly due to legal requirements and partly at the request of its owner, Gregorio Rossi di Montelera, known as "Count Rossi." A prominent figure in powerboat racing and bobsledding, Count Rossi was also a passionate Porsche fan.
Finished in Martini Silver, the car featured basic exhaust mufflers, extra mirrors, side indicators, and a horn. It also included a spare tire under its rear clamshell. Inside, there were comfort upgrades like tan leather seats from Hermes and suede surfaces on the roof lining, doors, and dashboard. The gear shifter retained its wooden finish.
Today, this historic car is still enjoyed by its current owner on French roads. It has been restored while preserving its original paint and interior. Now registered in the UK, it continues to surprise other road users as it did decades ago.
Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), established in 1984 and based in Atlanta since 1998, is the exclusive U.S. importer of various Porsche models. PCNA offers a configurator for customizing vehicles and operates two Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
The Atlanta centre features driver development tracks and business facilities. The Los Angeles complex includes educational modules and houses Porsche Motorsport North America's headquarters. PCNA supports numerous dealerships across the U.S., ensuring customers receive top-notch service aligned with Porsche's legacy.
Porsche's success is rooted in its rich racing history with over 30,000 motorsport victories. This heritage continues to inspire innovations within the company today.
The spirit that led to creating a road-legal 917 remains alive at Porsche five decades later. This enduring passion prompts ongoing curiosity about future possibilities for the brand.
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