The ultimate Porsche 917 recreation project

Is this the ultimate (and only road legal) Porsche 917 recreation project? Think of 917s and you might think of Steve McQueen in the Le Mans film... Gulf livery, flimsy, but fast AF and a car which was basically outlawed in the 24hr for being too good.
Well this car has been built to the exact spec of a 1969/70 917K and put through the IVA (independent vehicle approval) so as to obtain road registration. That means stuff like a glass windscreen (heated), wipers that work, mirrors that work and brakes/steering that mimic the original 917.
There were only 25 short tail 917s made and none of those were road legal. Dave, from Icon Engineering, has designed this car to be more rigid, safer and significantly better made than an original.
To read more about this 10-year recreation project build, and Jonny's take on it, head over and join our Patreon gang: / thelatebrakeshow
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Icon Engineering have a Facebook page: / replica917
Instagram: icon_917K.
Turn-key car (with 964 3.6L engine and G50 transmission) = £250K + taxes.
For a rolling chassis = £140K + taxes.
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Website: www.thelatebrakeshow.com
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Filmed and Edited by: Phil Vaughn Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:12 Grand unveil
2:58 Where did it start?
3:39 25 ever made
5:05 The inspiration
5:50 Body for sale on Pistonheads
6:36 Flat 12 engine = €1.4 million
8:26 Ordering and prices
9:17 Bespoke cast magnesium wheels
9:54 CAD chassis madness
11:15 LIGHTNESS
12:12 Will Jonny fit?
13:16 START UP
13:45 ROAD DRIVING
15:05 Dimensions
19:20 Detailed walkaround
21:21 Engine detail & specs
23:34 Luggage options
27:03 Road driving contd
31:53 Verdict
#porsche917 #4k #917lemans #ultimateporsche #thelatebrakeshow

[@rampanttwattery4844]

Never underestimate what can be achieved by men in sheds. Absolutely fantastic.

[@1979jon]

Was how the world was built.

[@peterdevreter]

In great brittain people in sheds rule the whole empire.

[@JD-eo7dr]

I hope these guys have the same success as Singer has. I also can't wait for the Boost should liven things up abit😂

[@DPro]

@@peterdevreter Some of those Brits have emigrated though.... wink wink

[@rotorhead5006]

I wonder if they kept a tally of how many brews were consumed during the design & build of this...? 🤔🤣

[@robertlacamp7848]

When you look at the modern supercars, hypercars, this still has a beauty that stuns.

[@luxuriousmindset1906]

Yeah

[@mineralwater6736]

yep one of the most beautiful cars ever made

[@princesssolace4337]

This wud look cool beside the Superformance GT40 in sum man cave.

[@jamesrobert4106]

I believe if Porsche HQ saw this, they would give these guys the V12. What a stunning homage to the original.

[@atfsgeoff]

​@@The.Gavin.T Porsche would do them a bigger favor by giving them the schematics and engineering specs for the engine instead of an actual engine

[@Baukevandijk]

@@atfsgeoff The lads said they al ready own those schematics and that it will be a straight forward but expensive job. No idea how they got their hands on em.

[@mateojimenez5905]

It's a flat 12 I'm pretty sure, that would be dope

[@newking70]

Porsche isn't giving them a multi million dollar flat 12 engine. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mknight702]

If they are anything like Jaguar they are more likely to take out an injunction to get the car taken off the road and ensure that it never sees the light of day again.

[@adammoonface]

This is epic! Plus, £250k for a turn-key car seems like a bargain, when you consider the price of some other "recreations" knocking about.

[@juliusbols2437]

Because its basically just a chasis and a frame lol

[@stuartblack9258]

Casually just mentions reverse engineering a Porsche flat12 "totally feasible!" Brittish shed engineering at its best! Go on boys! Great stuff!👍

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Words ‘feasible’, and I hope that they’re mad enough to actually attempt it!

[@ironmonkey1512]

the original is just two flat sixes buttoned together

[@ForcesNL]

I would love to hear James May explaing, while Jeremy and Richard beeing silly.

[@marcryvon]

@@ironmonkey1512 In theory. But the devil is in the details as you know...

[@ianthomas8743]

Watch Allen Millyard to see what he does with motorcycle engines

[@fastEdCanuck]

RIP Vic Elford who was mentioned as one of the 917 drivers back in the day.

[@gavdcookuk512]

I don’t think there’s been another car that’s made my heart beat faster like the 917k, it’s the super hero of the car world and that one looks superb…….just needs that incredible flat 12 roar.

[@r.blacky341]

Yes!! the >flat 12< make a sound like "Godzilla" make a very angry "rrooooaaaarrrr"!! Best wish Reiner from Germany

[@Cchogan]

I worked on the sound for Porche: The Racing Legend. I loved the sound of the 917. Derek Bell had so much fun. He said the car did 246 at Le Mans, by the way.

[@Lot76CARS]

This looks so well engineered, it's a true recreation and as true as possible to the original. Given the multitude of GT40 reps there must be a market for this... and as you fit in Jonny could be one for the collection, with a Gulf livery!

[@geoffsaunders4960]

A collector would not be interested in Gulf livery - surely better to put it in the livery of the 1st Porsche to win Le Mans, the Dickie Attwood winning car.

[@Caracalla68]

There used to be a company that sold a kit called the "Elite Laser 917" in the early 1970's and made about 2000 of them. A cheap VW knock off but still looked pretty cool for that time period.

[@sodaaccount]

Im quite sure Gulf has got rights pending on that livery.

[@brolo7234]

@@geoffsaunders4960 The gulf livery would definitely be of interest to a collector because of the Steve McQueen film.

[@geoffsaunders4960]

@@brolo7234 I doubt it. A collector would know. They'd go for the more original.

[@chrishay8385]

Fan bloody tastic what a pair of geezers Love that they just made everything .proper British engineering at its best! I love this car!!!

[@rompowertube]

"British engineering" ^^ Of a 100% German engineered replica.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Most of the engineering is German (Porsche).

[@AntBangBang]

Driving that around the roads must have been a heck of an experience Jonny! What an amazing job the guys have done building it.

[@stevengiles2910]

I worked with Dave many years ago, working for a vehicle OEM. He was one of the best design engineers and nicest guys I had the pleasure to work with. I am not surprised by the quality of the build. Fantastic to see the end result, ten + years later. Good luck to you both with your venture.

[@slipmat7262]

Two guys in a shed, quality British engineering! Just brilliant.

[@ameliopompeo5722]

Absolutely brilliant! The passion , dedication and engineering excellence in building this car is so inspiring for many petrol heads perusing their dreams.

[@chrisd924]

Simply the best UK Car Channel on KZbin by a country mile….

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Chris, thank you ✊🏽

[@AlanAttack]

That is hands down.....The coolest thing i've ever seen.....The 917 on the road....I love those two guys.

[@SnoodyMcFlude]

Sounds gorgeous, even with 'just' a 6 cylinder in it. Another one for the 'lottery win' list

[@johngregory5280]

Jonny - amazing video as always. Whether it be a Porsche 917, a discarded Sierra from the 90s, or the latest in EV tech, your joy and enthusiasm for all things automotive shines through. The videography is so professional it deserves to be on TV. Well done, can't wait for the next one!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks John 👍🏻

[@paulhenderson6092]

We don't want it on TV. The big channels will ruin it. Let's keep it a KZbin secret.

[@johngregory5280]

Agreed but what I meant was that the production and quality of the videos is so high that its TV worthy.

[@JD-eo7dr]

@@paulhenderson6092 exactly. Even Chris Harris prefers the small production films on KZbin than the big scripted TV stuff.

[@twcmaker]

@@johngregory5280 totally agree. The more I'm talking to people about my channel, the more I'm finding that people aren't watching the TV like we used to. I think there will always be a BBC but boy are they missing out. I loved everything about this video, the car, Jonnys delivery, the cinematography and music where it needed to be. The best motoring YT channel by far. Driven by passion.

[@davidashley4386]

For some reason I keep picturing Steve McQueen in one of those, awesome ! 😎 👏

[@willbell5712]

Saw your disappointment on twitter Jonny. Keep the faith. Your channel is awesome, your interviews lovely, your direction true north and your persona utterly heart warming.

[@AJSAN1971]

I had two "favourite" Scalextric cars when I was a kid and one of them was a 917 in Gulf colours (the other was a MK1 Escort). Fantastic build.

[@motorvatorv888]

Me too

[@LOTPOR0402]

Got a collection of Fly 917s as well as Ferrari 512 to match

[@VLesPaul]

I think I did too now you mention it. I can’t be doing with replicas tho I’m afraid. As a stand-alone project , great, fantastic job.

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I have the JPS car and a blue elf car

[@jamesrobert4106]

I had a white MK1 Escort. Had a loose back end. Proper Scalextric rally car. 😁

[@garyhalkon8749]

Brilliant brilliant brilliant, you just never know what's happening behind the garage doors of suburbia. I'd loved to have been in the car, on a large screen you still get a sense of what it must be like to be in the drivers seat. Best part of the day watching this with a cup of tea and biscuits. Jonny you are a genuine master of your trade, thank you!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Gary, that means a lot. Thank you.

[@matschwarz9261]

A dream came true. A road legal 917K. Such a ufo when it drives by in the sunset with those yellow'ish spotlights...What a beauty.

[@gtnathan]

That is "insert expletive here that starts with F & ends with ing" Fantastic! Incredible execution, thanks for sharing

[@dcallan812]

WOW what a car. The flat 12 is something we need to see once its done.. GREAT video 2x👍

[@TheOracle65]

Some cars just look right, some stir the soul but the 917K is just another level, and then add on the amazing history and heritage. What a brilliant endevour to recreate such an amazing machine so close to the no compromise original design and driving feel. The flat-6 sounds great but bring on the 12! Great video and review.

[@cuddlemuffinqueeflover56]

Outstanding and authentic recreation of such an iconic race car. Paint it in gulf racing colours and it's 101% desirable.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

This is beautiful and I am drooling. I'm 56 and this car is from the dreams of my childhood. For a road car clone, a flat air cooled 6 is perfect.

[@KevinJohnson-gs6xn]

Just wow. I LOVE this and get it completely. Proper, unsanitary stuff and love how the roof was level with your waist... Best TLBS to date.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Kevin. It is a v special project, and I hope a few folks order one.

[@DMlonghurst]

The shots of it going down Southend it’s pure gold 👌🏼🙇🏼

[@phildeg]

The car of the century (20th). You’re just doing the best job in the world mate! Huge congratulations to the builders of this one.

[@CubeCyclone]

My dream car since birth...now a road car. Just wow! Love old school British engineering... Real talent! And get those turbos fitted!

[@simonmurfin1910]

Cooler than a cucumber at absolute zero! What a brilliant find for the channel and thank you to the talented gents that have designed and built it. Imagine a garage with one of these, GT40 replica, Lancia Stratos replica….. that’s my lottery garage

[@hamishinglis493]

I still feel a little funny just at the thought of the Porsche 917. What a project, the passion, ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in developing and building this superb recreation. It is clearly a labour of love for Dave and John. I view it as a sort of tribute to those who designed, built, maintained and raced the original cars. I need one for drives on warm sunny Sunday mornings.

[@T16MGJ]

The old memory isn't what it was but, back around the times when these were active there was a Race at Brands Hatch where these were raced in wet conditions. They were undrivable in those conditions... all over the shop sideways and rarely in a straight line. Spectacular. A perfect demonstration of the term "Pendulous Porsches". They don't make 'em like those anymore.

[@matthewbessey681]

Always yearned for a Countach, now I want one of these !!!!

[@maereanm]

The video production with the timelapses and the period-related music is next level. Good job!

[@The63Jazz]

Absolutely stunning and beautiful. I love the engineering nonchalance. The confidence in their ability to reverse engineer a flat twelve! Gentlemen I doff my cap.

[@ktmtravels3727]

More power to the guys, they deserve success. I think it also highlights the level that the Porsche engineers were working at, 50 years ago.

[@LeHazy]

I'd go as far to say that this project is in no way a recreation but a reproduction. The detail and care put into this project is just so admirable, especially given the childhood fascination with the car.

[@Trendyflute]

So amazing to see what is effectively a brand new 917. Understand their goals of pursuing the power figures of the original with the turbos but honestly I think its current form suits me wonderfully - classic looks, real race car handling, 270 HP in 940kg while looking like a BAMF? Sign me up! PS One thing this video needed more of was reactions from passer-by as they see such a unique vehicle go by! I could watch that for an hour I swear.

[@fishbert17]

Wow! That is pretty epic. Hats off to the guys who have put in so much time and effort into making this amazing car

[@markwellington1254]

That sound is just amazing above 3000 rpm, love it! This show has so many different looks to it and that is what draws me and others to this channel. Great work Jonny!

[@richardmatthews6325]

Didnt think id enjoy this, but simply...WOW... the passion the two guys have for this car is on another level, and the car itself....stunning Jonny

[@timjohnson67]

Thank you so much, brilliant car. And huge thank you to John & Dave - engineering par excellence!!

[@alexmiles8507]

This channel honestly deserves the millions of views. So well filmed and so well edited 👍🏻

[@beavercleaver6294]

I have only seen two of your KZbin Videos (so far), but I must say you are doing a brilliant job. Actually useful information and no hype. Well done.

[@craigrobertson7938]

What an amazing machine. Beautifully engineered and built by 2 guys who know exactly what they are doing. Thanks again Jonny for doing this. Absolutely brilliant and I love your enthusiasm for the collections and cars. Superb

[@dougseivwright]

Fantastic build chaps! Amazing! Thanks for sharing Jonny!

[@SilliArt]

Wow! What an absolute stunner, love it! Hats off to the length of engineering involved.

[@VesaGuardian]

I remember Pedro Rodriguez and Leo Kinnunen winning in Daytona 24 driving a 917 back in 1970. That was a big thing in Finland then. For me it still is. This re-creation is as iconic as its predecessor so the name of the brand seems to be well deserved. Keep up your good work!

[@japa2744]

Amazing vehicle, story and builders. Another great episode. Highlight of my week!

[@tchaps5130]

What an inspiration that is. Brilliant work, and great film capturing the passion of it!

[@angrygardener2430]

Love the content J, just keeps getting better and the 4k driving shots are first rate. Sam from STG drove a Kraftwerk replica on the street (recreations are out there). The guys that can and want to do these passion projects are a vanishing breed… appreciate them while we can.

[@AdamJRichardson]

The lighting and framing on that shot at @31:42 is *chef's kiss*. Great film and car all around!

[@itwe9534]

Amazing project and the production quality of this video was immense, awesome to see this on the road. Top quality content on this channel, hope we can get an update or another video when they get the flat12 track car done

[@darknewt9959]

Quite amazing. A stunning masterclass of engineering talent.

[@paulcross192]

Wow!! bloody excellent stuff, there are some amazing people out there. love it!

[@user-rf6lu1xl1r]

Congratulations to everyone involved in the build and the filming of such an iconic piece of automotive history. 👏👏👏👏

[@onkouth]

Amazing that 2 guys with knowledge and passion can replicate and even improve something that a full race car manufacturer originally built. Love that, the 917 is an incredible beautiful machine and this recreation would make Porsche proud, great job guys

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Absolutely incredible skills and dedication to recreate a legendary car.

[@TVtwarn]

What an absolutely beautiful recreation ❤️ kinda unreal what the lads have achieved tbh

[@trance9158]

Wow...now this is a street car to have...absolutely awesome.

[@andrewshelly6804]

Jonny what a video. You deserve an award for showing off amazing creations like these

[@spunkbubble1]

Absolutely love that car. The 917 is truly iconic and seeking them out at events always reaffirms that they’re truly special. I remember being stood behind the “red and white one” (sorry I can’t remember the chassis number and team) at Hampton Court when it was fired up …. Petrolhead nirvana, soaking up the sounds, smells and feeling it generated. My favourite 917 memory was standing at Goodwood on a sunny Saturday afternoon, next to the Steve McQueen car. There was a guy in period correct overalls, shades on, leaning against a stanchion …. Chad McQueen stood next to his dads car, for me that was cooler than a penguins pecker on a cold day. I’m buying some lottery tickets.

[@singletrack64]

Beautiful, beautiful car. Lovingly filmed too Johnny. Like others, I expected a cobbled together car underneath but that is so fantastically overbuilt. I bet you felt safe in it having seen the workmanship first-hand? When the video was ending I had a lump in my throat. Those shed engineers deserve an award.

[@noth606]

From some aspects it's half way between a go cart and a normal car, a tad closer to a go cart in several aspects. I have driven a go-cart on the road, fun - yes. Safe? LOL!

[@rallymouse1]

Absolutely amazing project. Congrats for this brilliant project Dave & John...

[@cepheus7850]

What a labor of love it must have been for Dave and John to have re-created such a work of art. Love all the creative tweaks they did to make it road legal, and the engineering that has gone into re-creating it is masterful. I'd love to see one of these in Salzburg red. Thank you, Jonny, for showcasing Dave and John's amazing skills and dedication. 👍

[@rum_o_clock2667]

Love this! Such an iconic (and stunning) shape

[@Joshkemponcars]

What an astonishing creation! Absolutely insane craftsmanship 🤯👏🏼

[@mattlaggs5151]

I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what superlatives to use. Outstanding. Incredible. Take your pick from many others.

[@jamesjeanes5690]

Watched this video with a smile on my face, especially when driven. What knowledge & passion these gentleman have, it’s all about getting those telling details just right. 👏🏽

[@mtnvalley9298]

Thanks for your efforts! I appreciate this amazing bit of engineering.

[@theloneranger2101]

I was wondering when the Steve McQueen reference was going to kick in. What a wonderful creation of a Le Mans classic, well done lads, a thing of beauty & a beast one day when there is a flat 12 onboard. 👍

[@simonwoodward438]

WOW!!!!!!!!! speachless the standard of engineering and detail from these lads is amazing.

[@amphilbey]

Love the closing shot along the seafront, so cool. Great video Jonny, one of the best yet

[@tonypetts6663]

🤤🤤🤤 Genuine respect to these two lads, that's a startling recreation of one of my favourite cars. Now if I can just persuade the wife to live in a caravan 😋

[@AnagramAutoclassics]

I had a surreal experience many years ago whilst working at the FoS at Goodwood that David Piper, Derek Bell and I shared an hour's conversation with the owner of the real, road-going 917 in the paddock. The stories shared were amazing, and David said he liked the Mulsanne straight because, at 220mph no less, he could, "have a bit of a rest.”. The GRP bodywork was so thin it let light through.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

I remember reding an article in Autocar about someone who had road-registered a 917. Maybe the man you spoke to.

[@AnagramAutoclassics]

@@pashakdescilly7517 It was the first time the car had appeared in public for many years. From memory the owner was a German aristocrat. Porsche at Le Man's was the central display that year, maybe '99 or 2000

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@AnagramAutoclassics That chimes some distant bells. The article was late '70s.... I think the car had only minor modification to become road legal.

[@andyg9991]

Jonny, how this channel doesnt have several million subscribers is beyond me. So many people claim to be "car guys" yet your channel is still somewhat of a minnow compared to some other channels. And that 917...wow! The job the gents have done is truly remarkable and the closing scene is that light shows just how beautiful that car is. Kudo's mate on another great vid!

[@rmp5s]

Genius will take few only so far...persistence will take many MUCH further. 10 years...ten YEARS!! Friggin epic. Fantastic work, gents.

[@syncrosimon]

As a kid in the 70’s I used to draw this car and was enthralled by its reputation of wheel spinning at 200mph on the Mulsanne straight. The fact it was 3 beetle engines stuck together and my family run around was a bay window people carrier made it even more exclusive. Not bad for blasting down Tone Way. What a joy of a car.

[@cjp6527]

Well...I want one comes to mind. That visceral sound from the flat 6 and the chirrups on the down change are what senses were created for. I truly hope they get some orders in, they thoroughly deserve to that's for sure. Great episode, TLBS gang...I want one...did I mention that already...😄

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Chris. I too hope someone watches this film and is in a position to place an order. Dave and John deserve it!

[@NickDavies75]

Another amazing vid, Jonny - and what an incredible passion project; well done chaps!

[@douglasladowski6342]

Bless these guys. It's the love and conviction that helps keep the history alive.

[@edthri]

Absolutely incredible achievement.

[@gregorypaulbox3035]

Excellent video again. Would love to see a Langheck version of this car. It looked fabulous driven at dusk along the sea front.

[@steffenchristmas1987]

Agreed. Those headlights at dusk give me the shivers. Iconic.

[@sterradovr6365]

Great video as always! some awesome backdrops and videography too! Keep up the great work chaps!

[@kildogery]

We're living in a golden age for KZbin car content. This channel, Ed China, Car Throttle etc... Are all doing stuff easily as good as TV channels can. Plus no Clarkson. Amazing stuff guys. Keep it up.

[@01FozzyS]

That's a beautiful recreation. Bonus points for your matching shoes with their garage,Jonny!

[@AdamJRichardson]

Not to mention the quasi Gulf colors with blue jeans and orange sweater!

[@GTD40CarClub]

Having owned and competed in a GT40 replica this work of love is superb! If you like the GT40 you like the 917! I think you are pitching it to cheaply when a Restomod is generally around £300 to £350K. If you succeed with the flat 12 I would say £450K to £500k as a turnkey is realistic and would attract collectors who simply can't buy one anywhere else. Perhaps explore a run of 25 with someone like Tuthill Porsche or David Brown?

[@bighands69]

It is not a restomod and I think they would be doing them self a disservice to call that a replica car. They have a car body shell and engineered everything below that.

[@stegradon7827]

I'm glad people like those two guys, are around and producing things like that in a garage!!

[@dave.of.the.forrest]

I like it because it's just so raw, yet refined within that rawness.

[@Littlemosslad]

Hmmm, I’d totally have one of those if money was no option.. just to imagine a flat 12 in that gives me shivers.

[@goodlookinouthomie1757]

Yeah me too and I would not lose a moment's sleep over relocating the wife to a caravan.

[@The80shilling]

I was expecting some bodged up kit Car, but THIS! Probably better built than the factory version. Utter lunacy for a road Car, and I'd have one in a heartbeat. What a glorious piece of kit that is. I'd like to see them take two latest generation GT3 engines, weld 'em up into a flat 12, and bingo! 1,100 normally aspirated HP....

[@SHOdown13]

Watching it drive down by the Seaside was the best part.

[@stefaniefournier4117]

Fantastic car and interview / video! Great to see. 917... definitely an all time classic

[@phenomanII]

A proper work of art. It would be an honour to drive one on the weekends, just to hear a boxer engine behind you sucking down the remaining petrol. I wish machines like this appealed to more people, with everyone who can afford it actually buying one, so that true passionate enthusiasts can build more. Imagine what a flat 12 made by these two automotive artists would be like.

[@Rob_NABS]

Goodness me! That is sublime. They need to bin that first spare windscreen though, it's marked up as NOK. I'll look after it and make sure it's not mistaken for a good one. I don't mind.

[@lexscooby22B]

WOW! What a stunning car! This must be one of the best replica's ever built! Thanks guy's!

[@2702simmo]

This is unreal Glad I found this channel snd well done blokes who’ve created this