Porsche 917 LH #21 – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1971

 

Porsche 917 LH #21 – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1971 🔗

Larrousse / Elford – Dirty Version – 1:12 CMR

The Porsche 917 is inseparable from the golden era of endurance racing, and while the short-tail 917K secured Porsche’s first overall Le Mans victory in 1970, the long-tail 917LH remains one of the most visually striking evolutions of the model. Built for outright speed on the Mulsanne Straight, the LH (Langheck – long tail) variant represented Porsche’s relentless pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency at over 380 km/h.

The #21 Porsche 917 LH entered in the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans was driven by Gérard Larrousse and Vic Elford. Although it did not achieve overall victory, the 1971 race is often remembered as one of the fastest and most dramatic editions in Le Mans history, with record-breaking speeds and intense competition between Porsche and Ferrari.

This particular “Dirty Version” model captures the car as it appeared during the race — not as a polished showroom machine, but as a machine that endured hours of high-speed combat. The subtle weathering, race grime and track wear add a layer of realism that elevates it beyond a standard display model.

The Real Car – 917 LH in 1971

For 1971, Porsche refined the long-tail concept further. The bodywork was smoother and more aerodynamically efficient than earlier LH versions. The goal was simple: maximise top speed while maintaining enough stability to survive the brutal 24-hour contest.

The 4.9-litre flat-12 engine delivered immense power, and the car’s extended rear section reduced drag significantly on long straights. However, the very design that made it devastatingly fast also made it more delicate in terms of handling compared to the 917K.

The #21 car embodies that balance between speed and fragility — a true endurance prototype designed for a specific purpose: Le Mans.

🔗 View the Porsche 917 LH #21 – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1971 at CK-Modelcars

The Model – 1:12 Scale by CMR

In 1:12 scale, this CMR release offers a commanding presence. At this size, proportions, stance and surface details become critical — and this is where the model stands out.

Key characteristics include:

• Accurate 917 LH long-tail body profile

• Correct #21 race livery from Le Mans 1971

• Weathered “Dirty Version” finish reflecting race conditions

• Detailed cockpit interior

• Realistic wheels and tyre detailing

• Fine panel lines and surface definition

The weathered finish is particularly important. Rather than presenting a sterile museum car, this version reflects the physical reality of endurance racing — oil stains, rubber marks, track debris and race patina.

Why the 917 LH Matters

🔗 View the Porsche 917 LH #21 – 24 Hours of Le Mans 1971 at CK-Modelcars

The 917 LH represents the extreme edge of endurance engineering in the early 1970s. It was a car designed for one circuit, one objective, and one type of performance. It symbolises the period when manufacturers pushed aerodynamic concepts without the regulatory constraints that would later define prototype racing.

In model form, especially at 1:12 scale, it becomes more than a collectible. It becomes a centrepiece — a conversation object that connects design, engineering and racing history.

For collectors focused on Porsche heritage or Le Mans history, the 917 LH is not optional. It is foundational.

Image Credit: CMR / CK Modelcars

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Accuracy Disclaimer: Information provided for historical and educational purposes. Specifications and details reflect available sources at the time of writing.

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