After pondering the VW Beetle for a while, Norbert and I wonder over to a display that has been calling me since I walked in. First up in the stunning line-up is the Porsche 917 PA Spyder. Built to compete in the burgeoning Can-Am Championship in the USA, this mighty 16-cylinder 917 was created alongside the turbocharged 12-cylinder car in an attempt to compete with the big 8.0-litre motors being run by the competitors. Sadly it never raced again, and finished its life on the test track in Weissach.
And alongside the gorgeous Spyder was this collection of 917s in differing shapes, sizes and colours.
With the 917 collective consumed and salivated over, it was time for a quick walk around some bits and bobs that people are probably unaware of when it comes to Porsche and their engineering prowess. How about the McLaren TAG MP4/2? Porsche developed an engine that changed an era of F1. Developing monemental power from its small capacity motor, the powerplant was instrumental in the 25 grand prix victories between 1983 and 1987 at the hands of Alain Prost and Nikki Lauda.
And what about this? The Porsche Bootsmotor. When Jacky Ickx ordered an engine for his offshore power boat, the engineering department stepped up. How does a 928 V8 engine fitted with two KKK chargers and churning out well over 700hp sound? With the challenges of being placed in a boat and keeping the unit cool to contend with, Porsche yet again pulled out all the stops.
As you can imagine, by this time my head was full of history, engineering and anecdotes from Norbert Singer. As I turned to soak in one more view of the awesome collection of cars left behind, I couldn’t help but think that a German brand, which started so humbly all those years ago, has well and truly captivated the hearts and souls of people all over the world. Not to mention, put fear in the hearts of every competitor they ever went head-to-head with. A stunning history and one that will hopefully continue to the level that it always has.
– FULL GALLERY OF PORSCHE MUSEUM SHOTS AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK –
