Porsche is taking advantage of the Frankfurt Motor Show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 911, but unfortunately the firm chose not to display an early 911 next to the 50th Anniversary limited-edition model that will land in showrooms soon.
However, the top floor of the Porsche stand features a 917k in Martini livery that won the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1971. Introduced in 1969 and generally considered as one of the greatest racing car of all time, the 917 was designed to compete in a new category of race cars that had an engine displacement of up to 5.0-liters and a minimum weight of 800 kilos (1,700 pounds).
Early cars were powered by a 4.5-liter air-cooled flat-twelve engine but the 917k saw its displacement increased to 5.0-liters, enabling the it to churn out 630 horsepower.
The 917k ended its racing career ended in 1971 when the F.I.A. banned the 5.0-liter cars.
Ran When Parked 
I find it amazing how beautiful the Martini livery is. No matter what car, it always adds something special.
If I’m ever at that “end of life” point where I could make a wish, I’d ask to drive Rosemeyer’s or Stuck’s old Auto Union Silver Arrow, followed by one of these beasts.
I can’t imagine the acceleration that these cars had. What a treat to see and hear one of these tearing up the pavement! Terrible when they were banned. They should just plain open up an unlimited class where everything goes, that would really showcase the constructors and their technology!