1969 Porsche

Daytona 24h pole position 1969

Le Mans 24h entrant 1975

Targa Florio entrant 1970

One of 18 built & approx. 5 surviving 908 Lontail

Porsche works car

Le Mans Classic & Goodwood 2023

Fully restored

The Porsche 908

It ranks among the most significant racing cars in the company’s history and marks a decisive milestone in Porsche’s rise to become a dominant force in international endurance racing in the late 1960s. The model was developed as the successor to the successful Porsche 907, after the FIA had set the engine capacity limit for the prototype class at three litres for the 1968 season. With the 908, Porsche had, for the first time, an eight-cylinder racing car designed specifically to meet these regulations, underlining the brand’s ambition to be competitive in the battle for overall victories in the major endurance classics. Development was led by Ferdinand Piëch, Hans Mezger and Helmuth Bott, whose engineering team designed the Porsche 908 with a consistent focus on maximum efficiency, low weight and high reliability.

At the heart of the car was a newly developed air-cooled three-litre eight-cylinder boxer engine with four overhead camshafts and mechanical fuel injection. Depending on the specification, the engine produced up to 370 hp and was characterised by its high revving ability and exceptional stability. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a specially developed five-speed racing gearbox. Thanks to its low weight and balanced weight distribution, the 908 was already regarded as one of the most technically advanced prototypes of its time when it was unveiled. The chassis consisted of a lightweight aluminium space-frame, whilst the bodywork was made from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. Porsche continuously refined the 908, adapting it to the varying demands of the racetracks. For high-speed circuits such as Le Mans and Daytona, the famous long-tail version was developed, featuring optimised aerodynamics and reduced drag. Weighing just 700 kg, it achieved a top speed of 320 km/h. For twisty circuits, on the other hand, open-top Spyder versions were developed, which offered advantages thanks to their even lower weight and improved agility. The various evolutionary stages of the 908 formed the basis for numerous later Porsche racing cars and contributed significantly to the brand’s technical development in motorsport.

Even in its first season, the Porsche 908 achieved significant success on the international stage. Victories and podium finishes in World Sportscar Championship races confirmed the new car’s potential. In the 1969 season in particular, the 908 emerged as one of the most successful racing cars of its era and played a decisive role in Porsche winning the Manufacturers’ World Championship. Its competitiveness against significantly more powerful rivals was based primarily on its low weight, aerodynamic efficiency and reliability. Today, the Porsche 908 is regarded as one of the most significant sports prototypes of the 1960s. It marks the transition from the early Porsche racing cars to later models such as the Porsche 917 and embodies the brand’s engineering philosophy in its purest form. Due to its low production numbers, its extraordinary racing history and its technical significance, the Porsche 908 is now one of the most sought-after and valuable racing cars in Porsche’s history.

About the vehicle offered here

Chassis 023 is one of only 18 908 Longtail models ever built, of which, according to reports, just five remain in this configuration. Immediately after its completion in January 1969, the car was entered by Porsche itself in the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it was driven by works drivers Vic Elford and Brian Redman. They secured pole position for the 908 with the fastest lap time of all entrants in qualifying. In the race itself, the car retired due to technical difficulties. Throughout the rest of its career, the car remained closely linked to the Porsche works programme and was subsequently further developed for Martini Racing under the direction of Hans Dieter Dechent. For the 1970 season, it was converted to the open ‘Flunder’ Spyder configuration. In this version, chassis 023 competed in numerous races. Documented entries include races at Imola, Zeltweg and the legendary Targa Florio.

Following its active racing career, the car came into the possession of French racing driver Christian Poirot, who, together with his family, preserved the Porsche for decades and continued to field it successfully in motorsport. The highlight of this period was its participation in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans, which the car, bearing start number 3 was not able complete due to a broken drive shaft. The ownership history is well documented and comprises just a few owners over a period of many decades. In 2017, Chassis 023 was sold to Monaco. Subsequently, the 908 underwent a comprehensive and extensive restoration, which lasted until 2022 and during which the car was restored to its original closed Longtail configuration. Just as the car left the Porsche factory at the time and lined up on the starting grid at Daytona. In the course of this work, the bodywork, chassis, drivetrain components and numerous detailed parts were overhauled, with great emphasis placed on historical authenticity. The available reports describe the condition of the vehicle as excellent and particularly highlight the quality of the restoration work. Following the successful completion of the work, the owner took part in Le Mans Classic and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Furthermore, the Prince of Monaco exhibited the 908 as a guest exhibit in his automobile museum in Monaco. Today, Chassis 023 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a Porsche sports prototype with a documented factory history, a record of participation in legendary races, a distinguished list of drivers, and a traceable provenance. Extensive documentation, historical records and expert reports accompany the car and underscore its special significance within the history of Porsche motorsport. A unique addition to any world-class Porsche collection and a ticket to the most prestigious historic motorsport events around the globe.

Our sales staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please note that vehicle viewings are only possible by prior appointment.