The first great victory of Porsche in a world sports car championship. Jose HERRARTE ARIANO, driving a 550, wins in his category after one of the most dangerous race in the world. The endurance rally was created in 1950 and runs throughout Mexico going from the south west to the North of the country. Dust and heat play a big part in this challenge. The Porsche cars reliability is yet tagged as a reference.
In May 1954, the domination by Porsche is obvious, With both the 356 and 550, the team gets all the victories in their categories.
Hans HERRMANN and Hubert LINGE, Both heros from the Mille Miglia saga, get the fear for their lives when driving through a closed fence only thirty feet in front of a running train…
1956 is a historical year for Porsche Ferdinand, The Targa Florio challenge is registered in the world sports cars championship. Behind the wheel of a 550, Umberto Maglioli and Huschke Von Hanstein win one of the first great victories ahead of the enraged Ferrari’s.
This is the first victory of Porsche in Sebring, It is delivered by the great Hans HERRMANN. The victory in motor racing is first set by men, the car is their means to the end. This time, HERRMANN drives two cars during the same race, switching from one to the other over 720km without a break! He then finishes in first place on the 718 RS, the so-called “grand-mother” and in third place with the other one.
In 1962, the French Grand Prix was the set of two great prime events. One for Dan GURNEY who signs his first victory. The other one for Porsche that, for the first and only time, wins as a formula 1 car and engine manufacturer.
The 50th Targa Florio was an unusual test for Porsche, in spite of 906 committed with quite random and different improvements, it is a simple 906 of factory lent to the famous team of Scuderia Filipinetti that took away the victory outstripping widely the first Ferrari of more than eight minutes.
1967, another victory for the make, The first three places were taken by three 910/08. An undiscussable domination made by Porsche.
This year, the 24 hour race in Daytona is set by an indisputable domination by Porsche. The prestigious team mainly composed by Vic ELFORD and Hans HERRMANN with the precious help of their 907, Hijacked the first three places to the other competitors. This victory adds up to the one in Monte Carlo making of 1968 a memorable year for Porsche.
1968 was the year of exhilaration for all Porsche enthusiasts. It marks the beginning of a long series of victories starting with the great Monte Carlo Rally. This first glory is the result of both Vic ELFORD and David STONE’s performances. This is a historical moment for the new 911 that, at the time, won its first great title.
1968 was the year of exhilaration for all Porsche enthusiasts. It marks the beginning of a long series of victories starting with the great Monte Carlo Rally. This first glory is the result of both Vic ELFORD and David SONE’s performances. This is a historical moment for the new 911 that, at the time, won its first great title.
In 1969, in Le Mans, Hans HERRMANN finishes second. Only 400 feet behind Jacky ICKX. The man of the “Mille Miglia” has a revenge to take in 1970, same place. This year, he promised his worried wife that if he wins this race, he would end his career as a race driver. Promises are made to be kept. Hans HERMANN wins in Le Mans with a 917 and retires.
Hats off to the artist!
The great Vic ELFORD, winner of the Monte Carlo Rally in 1968 and the Daytona 24H race with Porsche, was asked once if in his career he has faced anyone faster than him, to which he replied “Never!… but Pedro RODRIGUEZ maybe…” In 1971, Pedro RODRIGUEZ, wins in Monza closely followed by Jackie Oliver. Two months later, he will meet with death during a race in Nuremberg while driving a Ferrari 512M. Dead on the stage.
