#051 Gulf Porsche 908 & 917

by modelM43in liverieson Posted on

Published July 30, 2024 | Last update October 5, 2026 | 34 models, 1 pit crew and 1 watch online

John Wyer is a British team manager who formed his team JWA or J.W. Automotive together with John Wilment. They had successes with their Ford GT40’s and Mirages that both won Le Mans. But JWA is most famous because of the Gulf liveried Porsche 917, which was the star in Steve McQueen’s movie “Le Mans”.

1969

1969 London Motorshow, Gulf Porsche 917L
John Wyer bought the former Ford works cars with support from Gulf and won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. Both years, he beat the factory Porsches. If you can beat them, join them, so Porsche announced a cooperation with John Wyer and Gulf for the 1970 season. This car was presented at the London Motorshow late 1969.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #1: Presentation London Motorshow
Porsche 917L – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 550 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 850 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-001

  • SPARK S1898
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970

1970 Daytona 24h, Gulf Porsche 917K
The strong JWA Gulf Porsches 917 were the favourites of the 1970 world championship season. At Daytona the Rodriguez and Kinnunen Porsche 917 won with a huge margin of 45 laps over its teammates and 3 more over the first Ferrari.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #2: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Leo Kinnunen (FIN)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 1:55.800 / race 1st – 724 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-015

  • left | SPARK Daytona 43DA70 (resin) The SPARK is a bit pale blue
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
  • right | MINICHAMPS  MC430 706702 (diecast) but MINICHAMPS made the characteristic Daytona window in the roof with a grey decal 🙁
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS

1970 Sebring 12h, Porsche 908/02
Steve McQueen was planning to film his iconic movie “Le Mans”. He drove this Porsche 908/02 himself in the 12 hour of Sebring together with Peter Revson and they managed a fantastic second place. Later, the car would be used as the camera car during the 1970 Le Mans race. Steve wanted to participate as driver in the Le Mans 24h but his insurance company refused this.
Solar Productions #48: Steve McQueen (USA) / Peter Revson (USA)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 2:42.750 / race 2nd- 248 laps / 1st prototype <3L
Porsche 908/02 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Dunlop tires. Weight 600 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. #908-022

  • BEST 9219 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Monza 1000km, Porsche 917K
The Porsche 917K was a hit in 1970. After winning Daytona and Brands Hatch (Sebring was for Ferrari) the Porsches won Monza. At the home track of Ferrari, Porsche won and Ferrari came in 2nd, 3th and 4th. Rodriguez and Kinnunen winning again for Gulf John Wyer.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #7: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Leo Kinnunen (FIN)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 1:26.360 / race 1st – 174 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-016

  • BRUMM R219 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Targa Florio, Gulf Porsche 908/03
After the race in Monza, the world championship remained in Italy but moved to the island Sicily for the Targa Florio. One lap was over 70 km long and went over the mountains and through little villages. No terrain for a Porsche 917, so JWA brought a fleet of Porsche 908/03 to the island. The 908/03 was a light and short version that suited the tricky conditions best. Last year, the 908/02 took a quadruple victory here.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #12: Jo siffert (CH) / Brian Redman (GB)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 34:10.000 / race 1st – 11 laps
Porsche 908/03 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs #908/03 008

  • BEST 9039 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection
  • BEST Speciale Targa Florio 1906 – 2006 STF06 #43 / 200 pcs (diecast with driver Jo Siffert)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Targa Florio, Gulf Porsche 908/03
Björn Waldegaard was a rally driver, not a racing driver. But because of the special characteristics of the Targa Florio, rally drivers were more than capable of driving here. So did Waldegaard, together with Richard Attwood he finished 5th.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #36: Björn Waldegaard (S) / Richard Attwood (GB)
Results: Start-grid 10th / time 37:12.200 / race 5th – 11 laps
Porsche 908/03 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs #908/03 011

  • BEST 9034 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Targa Florio, Gulf Porsche 908/03
On his way to second place, Leo Kinnunen set an all-time lap record of 33 minutes and 36 seconds which not be beaten in the races to come.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #40: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Leo Kinnunen (FIN) – 2nd
Porsche 908/03 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs #908/03 009.

  • BEST 9033 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Spa-Francorchamps 1000km, Porsche 917K
The start of the 1970 Spa race is historic. Jo Siffert and Pedro Rodriguez touch at high speed going into the famous Eau Rouge corner. No damage was done and Siffert continued to win the race together with teammate Redman. A similar situation between Ickx and Bellof years later would claim the life of Bellof.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #24: Jo Siffert (CH) / Brian Redman (GB)
Results: Start-grid 2nd / time 3:23.900 / race 1st – 71 laps

J. W. Automotive Engineering #25:  Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Leo Kinnunen (FIN)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 3:19.800 / race DNF gearbox – 44 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnrs. #917-014 and #017

  • BRUMM s98/22 limited 600 pcs 2 model diorama (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Nürburgring 1000km, Porsche 908/03
The Porsche 908/03 was also ideal at the twisty Nürburgring and took a double victory. But it was not JWA but Porsche Salzburg that did best. The #20 JWA car had a failing oil pressure and the #21 went off track.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #20: Jo siffert (CH) / Brian Redman (GB)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 7:43.300 / race DNF oil pressure – 22 laps
Porsche 908/03 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. #908/03 010

  • BEST Faszination 70 Jahre Nürburgring 1927-1997 #97-028
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Le Mans 24h, Gulf Porsche 917K
The #20 Porsche 917K is the most famous of all. Despite retiring from the race because of an over-revved engine, it was the star in the movie “Le Mans” from Steve McQueen.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #20: Jo Siffert (CH) / Brian Redman (GB)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 3:21.100 / DNF engine – 156 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnrs. #917-017

  • SPARK Steve McQueen Collection SMC01 limited 333 pcs (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 5 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

The movie “Le Mans” was produced by Steve McQueen and he played the main character ‘Michael Delaney’ racing the #20 Gulf Porsche. Making the film was a disaster. Steve who was a good driver himself, wasn’t allowed to actually race by the insurance company. Filming took much longer than planned and costs exceeded the budget. Accidents happened, in one of which David Piper lost part of his leg. A very nice book has been made about the production of the movie, “A French kiss with Death”. Now, many years later, the film has reached a cult status and is regarded one of the best racing movies ever made and my all time favorite.

  • #20 “Michael Delaney” (USA) / “Johann Ritter” (D)
  • Auto Art 87183 1:18 scale
    • Overall rating: 5 STARS | Quality details: 5 STARS | Estimated value: 5 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection
  • TAG Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Edition
    • Overall rating: 5 STARS | Quality details: 5 STARS | Estimated value: 5 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Le Mans 24h, Gulf Porsche 917
It is the only model that I have in 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64 scale.

  • HOTWHEELS Vintage Collection JKF03 (diecast scale 1/64)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Le Mans 24h, Gulf Porsche 917K
The #21 also retired, this one because the cooling fan broke, a problem that occurred more often with the air cooled Porsche engines. The third JWA Porsche #22, had a big crash.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #21:  Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Leo Kinnunen (FIN)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 3:21.900 / race DNF cooling fan – 22 laps

J. W. Automotive Engineering #22: David Hobbs (GB) / Mike Hailwood (GB)
Results: Start-grid 10th / time 3:29.100 / race DNF accident – 49 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnrs. #917-016 and #026

  • SPARK S1970 & S1971 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

1970 Le Mans 24h, Porsche 908/02
This was a camera car that was used in the making of the famous movie “Le Mans” from Steve McQueen. Besides being a cameracar, it also competed in the race and managened to finish 9th overall. It already proved to be a real racing car by finishing 2nd at Sebring earlier that year with McQueen behind the wheel. But it had to made long pitstops to change the film reels and finished 61 laps behind and therefore did not classify.
Solar Productions #29: Herbert Linge (D) / John Williams (GB)
Results: Start-grid 31st / time 4:03.700 / race 9th DNC- 292 laps
Solar Productions Porsche 908/02 – 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Dunlop tires. Weight 600 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. #908-022

  • BEST 9225 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1970 Watkins Glen 6h, Porsche 917K
The strong JWA Gulf Porsches 917 were the favorites of the 1970 world championship season. At Watkins Glen they won with a margin of over three laps ahead of the first Ferrari. The internal Gulf battle was won by Rodriguez and Kinnunen in the #2 car.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #1: Jo Siffert (CH) / Brian Redman (GB)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 1:06.300 / race 2nd – 308 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-014.

  • Auto Art 67072 (diecast)
    The model is advertised by Auto Art as a Daytona car, but misses the typical “Daytona window” in the roof. It looks like the version that raced at Watkins Glen including the additional rear wing
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1971

1971 Temporada Buenos Aires 1000km, Porsche 917K
The Temporada, Buenos Aires’ 1000km race was the first race of the 1971 championship. Battle went on between the Gulf Porsches and the 3-liter Alfa Romeo. Jo Siffert and Derek Bell started 3rd but managed to win the race in the #30. Jacky Oliver crashed the #32 car during practice and it was just in time ready for the race. They finished 2nd behind their team mates. The race was overshadowed by the fatal accident of Ignazio Giunti.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #30: Jo Siffert (CH) / Derek Bell (GB)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 1:53.400 / race 1st – 165 laps

J. W. Automotive Engineering #32: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Jackie Oliver (GB)
Results: Start-grid 1st / time 1:52.700 / race 2nd – 164 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 580 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnrs. #917-029 and #035

  • BRUMM R568 & R569 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Also appears in #120 Derek Bell

1971 Temporada Buenos Aires 1000km, Porsche 917K
Auto Usdau entered two cars for this race, their older 908 for team owner Hans-Dieter Weigel and this 917 that was just purchased from JWA. They changed the orange striping in a red one and added some sponsors. Drivers were Reinhold Joest – he used to write his name in those days as Jöst – and local hero Angel Montguzzi.
Auto Usdau #48: Reinhold Jöst (D) / Angel Montguzzi (RA)
Results: Start-grid 13th / time 1:57.640 / race DNF engine – 85 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.5 liter Porsche 912.00 V12 180º, approx. 570 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminium space frame, chassisnr. #917-022

  • BRUMM R573 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1971 Daytona 24h, Porsche 917K
The JWA Gulf Porsches 917 were favourits to win the Daytona 24 hour race. And they did: Rodriguez and Oliver won ahead of 2 Ferrari’s. The Porsches used the new 4.9 liter engine for the first time here but this #1 car with Siffert and Bell suffered a broken engine early in the race. Daytona Porsches always had an additional window in the roof that allowed the drivers to look further ahead on the steep banking of Daytona.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #1: Jo Siffert (CH) / Derek Bell (GB)
Results: Start-grid 4th / time 1:44.440 / race DNF engine – 113 laps
Porsche 917K – Sports cars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-035

  • BRUMM R269 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Also appears in #120 Derek Bell

1971 Sebring 12h, Porsche 917K
Pedro Rodriguez hit a Ferrari early in the race. His mechanics fixed the car with lots of tape and when it went dark they even mounted a headlight on it. This way it finished 4th, the victory was for the Martini Racing Porsche 917K.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #2: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Jacky Oliver (GB)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 2:33.840 / race 4th – kkk laps
Porsche 917K – Sports cars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-009

  • IXO ALTAYA Les monstres sacres de l’endurance # unknown (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
  • TRUE SCALE MINIATURES TSM 10AC04 JWA Gulf pit crew (resin)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

1971 Monza 1000km, Porsche 917K
The 3-liter Alfa’s had no chance at the fast track of Monza against the powerful Porsche and finished in places 3, 4 and 5. The new fast Ferrari 312 qualified 2nd but Ickx crashed early in the race.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #2: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Jackie Oliver (GB)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 1:35.740 / race 1st- 174 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-034

  • BRUMM R221 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1971 Targa Florio, Porsche 908/03
Competition had increased in 1971. Not only from the Martini Porsche team but also from Alfa Romeo. The new Alfa Romeo 33 with 3.0 liter V8 took a double victory at Italian home soil. Both JWA Gulf Porsches crashed in the first Lapland. The #8 Martini Porsche 908/03 crashed after 7 laps.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #4: Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Herbert Müller (CH)
Results: Start-grid 7th / time 36:02.700 / race DNF crash – 0 laps

J. W. Automotive Engineering #7: Vic Elford (GB) / Gérard Larrousse (F)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 35:48.100 / race DNF crash – 0 laps
Porsche 908/03 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs. #908/03 007 & #908/03 010.

  • BEST 9125 & 9599 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

1971 Nürburgring 1000km, Porsche 908/03
Both Alfa Romeo and the new Ferrari 312PB had more powerful engines and were quicker in qualifying than the J.W.A. 908’s. But 1000 km at the Nürburgring is not about speed alone; in the end the 2 Martini Porsches and 1 JWA Gulf filled the podium. Jo Siffert drove both cars, he started the #2 but when that retired he switched to the #1 car, replacing Jacky Oliver.
J.W. Automotive Engineering #1: Jo Siffert (CH) / Pedro Rodriguez (MEX)
Results: Start-grid 6th / time 7:54.600 / race 2nd – 44 laps

J.W. Automotive Engineering #2: Jo Siffert (CH) / Derek Bell (GB)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 7:52.700 / race DNF chassis – 44 laps
Porsche 908/02 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs. #908/03 013 & #908/03 012.

  • BEST 9188 & 9675 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 2 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Also appears in #120 Derek Bell

1971 Le Mans test, Porsche 917K “Schnorkel”
During the 24-hour race at Le Mans, the #18 Porsche was one of the longtail versions. But during the tests 2 months earlier, the German manufacturer was experimenting with high placed air-intakes. These periscopes or “schnorkels” were only used once in a race, but never at Le Mans.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #18 / #1: Jo Siffert (CH) / Derek Bell (GB) / Jackie Oliver (GB)
Results: test 3rd
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-016

  • SPARK S9985 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1971 Le Mans 24h, Porsche 917L
The longtail versions of the Porsche 917 were blistering quick, reaching over 240 mph (in 1971!). On the #17, the fans of the air cooled engines broke. The #18 had an oil pump failure, so they both retired with broken engines.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #17: Jo Siffert (CH) / Derek Bell (GB)
Results: 3rd / time 3:17.600 / race DNF cooling fan – 240 laps

J. W. Automotive Engineering #18 Pedro Rodriguez (MEX) / Jackie Oliver (GB)
Results: 1st / time 3:13.900 / race DNF oil pump – 187 laps
Porsche 917L – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 840 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnrs. #917-045 and #043

  • MARSH handbuilt kit (metal) headlamp missing
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
  • MINICHAMPS  MC430 716718 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

1971 Le Mans 24h, Porsche 917K
It weren’t the fast longtail Porsche 917s that took victory, but two shorttailed “K” versions. The Martini car in front of last year’s winner Richard Attwood, this time in the Gulf car.
J. W. Automotive Engineering #19: Richard Attwood (GB) / Herbert Müller (CH)
Results: Start-grid 11th / time 3:22.200 / race 2nd – 395 laps
Porsche 917K – Sportscars <5L: Powered by 4.9 liter Porsche 912.10 V12 180º, approx. 600 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 810 kg. Aluminum space frame, chassisnr. #917-026

  • MINICHAMPS MC430 716119 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1971 Barcelona 1000km, Porsche 908/03
Spanish team Escuderia Montjuich bought this 908/03 chassis from JWA at the end of the 1971 season. It competed its first race in Spanish hands at the 1000 km race at Montjuich (Barcelona). It was still in the familiar Gulf colors, with some stickers of Spanish sponsor Tergal.
Escuderia Montjuich #1: José-Maria Fernandez (E) / Juan Fernandez (E)
Results: Start-grid 7th / time 1:37.300 / race 5th – 242 laps
Porsche 908/02 – Prototypes <3L: Powered by 3.0 liter Porsche 908 – flat-8, approx. 350 hp. Firestone tires. Weight 545 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnrs. #908/03 013

  • BEST MINIA1 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

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