Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 RS Tribute to Jo Siffert, celebrating the Swiss racing legend and marking the near 55-year anniversary of the iconic 917’s first victory. This historic win took place on August 10, 1969, at the 1,000-kilometre race at Österreichring, where Siffert and Kurt Ahrens triumphed.
This commemorative model was crafted by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur under the Sonderwunsch program. It will be showcased at Swiss Porsche centers in August 2024 and highlighted at the “Auto Zürich” trade fair from November 7-10, 2024. The buyer of this unique vehicle will be chosen randomly from interested individuals.
Jo Siffert remains a revered figure in Swiss motorsport, even 50 years after his death. The Fribourg native was known for his talent and charisma, competing in 298 races over 11 years and often racing in multiple events on the same weekend. Michael Glinski, CEO of Porsche Schweiz AG, praised Siffert’s dedication and its alignment with Porsche’s brand ethos, “Driven by Dreams.”
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The Siffert family played a significant role in the creation of this special 911 GT3 RS. Philippe Siffert, Jo’s son, expressed his excitement over the tribute, highlighting the meticulous historical accuracy and craftsmanship involved. His son, Jérémy, also participated in the project.
The tribute car draws inspiration from the 917 that Siffert and Ahrens drove to victory. It features a Pure White paint job with Viper Green accents, reminiscent of the original race car’s livery. The number “29,” used during the inaugural 1,000-kilometre race, is prominently displayed on various parts of the vehicle. The Porsche lettering and striped design on the doors and sides also nod to the classic 917.
Porsche’s designers, supported by Bosch and Shell, recreated the period-appropriate sponsor decals, enhancing the car’s authenticity. Notable features include the Bosch spark plug decal on the rear wheel arches and the Shell logo near the rear window.
The car’s wheels, made of satin black magnesium, feature the silhouette of the 917KH on the center lock and rear wing sideplates. A special helmet-design badge on the B-pillars bears Jo Siffert’s name and signature.
Inside, the car exudes a racing ambiance with a predominantly Black and Guards Red Race-Tex interior. The headrests are embroidered with a helmet motif, and the door entry guards showcase the 917 silhouette and Siffert’s signature. The vehicle key, with Pure White and Viper Green accents, is also customized, featuring the 917 silhouette and Jo Siffert’s autograph on the center console and leather key case.
Reflecting on Siffert’s impact, Peter Falk, a former senior race engineer, credited Siffert for Porsche’s 1969 World Sportscar Championship success. Siffert’s extraordinary speed and skill, demonstrated through numerous victories, left an indelible mark on Porsche’s racing legacy.
The 917, introduced in response to FIA’s regulatory changes in 1968, required significant development to reach its legendary status. It achieved its first championship in 1969 and continued to dominate with significant victories at Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. The 917 also proved formidable in the North American CanAm series in the early 1970s.
Unfortunately, Jo Siffert’s career was tragically cut short when he died in a crash during a Formula 1 race at Brands Hatch in 1971 at the age of 35.
The Sonderwunsch program, originally launched in the late 1970s, allows Porsche to create highly customized, one-off vehicles. Clients can work with Porsche experts to tailor their cars with specific color, material, and design requests, either during production or as post-delivery enhancements. The process involves a detailed consultation at Porsche’s facilities in Zuffenhausen or at international locations like Atlanta or Los Angeles, ensuring personalized and technically feasible customizations.
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