Porsche 917

Porsche as a brand has existed since April 1931. After a successful stint with Daimler and the consulting business that included the design and engineering of models like the VW Beetle and the 16-cylinder Auto Union Type 52, things finally started to fall into place, with Ferdinand Porsche’s dream of making the perfect sports car which came out in 1939. That said, the first mass-produced Porsche performance car – the 356 – did not arrive until well after WWII ended, debuting in 1948. Since then, the German marque has developed a stalwart image as one of the most prominent performance car manufacturers in the world. With a history spanning 93 years and counting, there are many iconic models, many of which were significant to Porsche’s development as a brand. Given Porsche’s storied history and rich motorsport heritage, the list of truly noteworthy Porsche models is impressively long. However, I managed to narrow it down to seven Porsche models, with each one being historically significant through the decades, and paving the way for future Porsches.

Christmas is two months away, and if you are still looking for the perfect gift for the Porsche aficionado in your life, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. The Amalgam Collection, based in Bristol, U.K., crafts spectacular 1:8 scale model replicas of the 1971 Le Mans triumphing Porsche 917K racecar with its Martini Livery. It is an extremely detailed replica of the car driven by Gijs van Lennep and Helmut Marko in 1971.

Although Porsche has given us a staggering number of all-time great sports cars going back several decades, the German automaker has diversified its lineup over the past 20 years, by adding SUVs and sedans to its model lineup. This leaves the 911 and 718 as the only two Porsche sports car offerings, presenting Porsche with the opportunity to bring back iconic nameplates from its glorious past.

Not a lot of automakers have as many iconic engines as Porsche does. The German company is responsible for one of the most iconic sports cars ever made – the 911. The boxer engine is a staple across several Porsche models, but this is far from the only engine configuration Porsche knows. What makes an engine iconic? Is it the sheer power or is it the groundbreaking engineering? Perhaps the reliability or soundtrack? As it turns out, it is all of the above, and Porsche has more than a few engines that fit the bill.

My Instagram feed rarely disappoints, and today, it seriously delivered. Jonny Lieberman from MotorTrend.com dropped a bombshell on Instagram from what appears to be a private event: The twin mad scientists and automotive designers, Iliya & Nikita Bridan behind California-based Oil Stain Lab are going to build 25 limited-edition examples of an ultra-lightweight mid-engined hypercar and they’re calling it the HF-11.

Porche is one of the leading sports car manufacturers and an aspirational brand for many a car enthusiast. While Porsche emphasizes athleticism and performance across its entire lineup, it’s the German marque’s sports cars that best embody Porsche’s heritage and motorsport prowess. The "Turbo” moniker has become synonymous with the most capable Porsche models, especially when it comes to the 911. Porsche’s obsession with turbocharging comes from motorsports. Competition is a great thing that invites progress, often, through unconventional means.

Strap yourselves in, gearheads, because a piece of automotive and cinematic history will soon hit the auction block, and it’s gonna make your wallet weep. Remember that #20 Porsche 917k that stole the show in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans? Yeah, the one with the screaming flat-12 and the Gulf Oil livery so good it should be illegal? That very car, chassis number 917-022, is getting ready to trade hands in January 2025 at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction.

There is an adage ’’Boys never grow up, their toys just get bigger". I am not sure who said it originally, but after discovering this truly unique slot racing track, I can see how it could be true. A 1:32 scale replica of the Le Mans circuit as seen in the 1971 Steve McQueen film with the same name. This incredibly detailed two-lane track comes with miniature vegetation, pit stops, buildings, crew, and advertising from real companies that sponsored the teams that took part in the event back in the day. The best part is the entire structure is housed within a replica Porsche 917K body, with its iconic Gulf-Racing livery.

Porsche has unveiled a one-off 911 GT3 RS that pays tribute to the legendary Joseph (Jo) Siffert. The Swiss racing driver was renowned for his exceptional talent and charismatic personality. Born in Fribourg in 1936, Siffert’s passion for speed began early, with motorcycle racing before transitioning to cars. His career spanned Formula One, sports car racing, and various other motorsports disciplines.