Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" Porsche 917K

[RallyRaider]

Been a long, long time since I posted a work in progress thread on AF...
So lets change that - here is what I have been mucking about with lately.

This will be very similar to SeanyG's latest build, namely a Fujimi 1970 Gulf Porsche 917K using the HRM resin engine transkit and a bit of scratch building. I will be attempting to replicate the car that was bought by Steve McQueen's production company and immortalised in the movie 'Le Mans" - probably the best racing movie ever made. Here is Steve with the car in question. It is subtly different from the real JWA number 20 from Le Mans 1970.

The Fujimi base kit is a ripper, looks pretty good to me as a starting point. A few things need to be fixed up, like the front radiator exit cover to make it sit flush. The straight rear fenders are wrong for a 1970 JWA car but just right for the movie version.



Even though it is kerbside the rear cover comes as a separate piece. Also decided to take the doors off. Although once it was apparent how delicate the whole structure became minus the doors, I thought it wise to stop at one. Fortunately I removed the driver's door first.



Here is the rear end. May not look to be the case, but it has actually taken quite a lot of effort to get to this point. Test fitting, sanding and making clearance for all the removable parts, styrene sills and tabs so everything fits together properly and securely, reinforcing the engine cover hinges so they won't break further down the track, filling gaps in the cockpit and firewall, etc. Also visible is the beginnings of some scratch built details like the bolt on rollover hoop and suspension upper trailing arms.



I did intend to add the ducting from the NACA intakes on the inside of the engine cover, but the fit of the wheel arches is so tight there is simply not enough room. Considering how long a similar job took on my GT40 from a few years ago, that is probably a good thing...

[SeanyG]

Phil,

looking good - I know exactly what you mean about time, mine is taking alot longer than I thought.
I was sooooo relieved when I finally got the second door cut out on mine as you no doubt realize - the thing was so flimsy and on reflection I hope this doesnt prove to be a mistake.
The build looks great so far - I really like it, I can see me 'borrowing' a few ideas from you along the way though, hope you dont mind.

[klutz_100]

Great. I'm looking forward to following this

[robrex]

Phil,
I can't believe it! A progress thread...
Remember if you need any machined parts I made you an offer a few years back? This will be good to follow.

[gionc]

Ok tuned opcorn:

[Eric Cole]

So many great WIP's in the Motorsport section recently and here comes another one.

Awesome start!

[The Sheene Machine]

Originally Posted by mach1_2003

So many great WIP's in the Motorsport section recently and here comes another one.

Awesome start!

Ok, I'm sitting comfortabley...opcorn:

[Enzoenvy1]

That is definitely a great movie. This will be a beauty to see when completed. I am not into the classics of racing, but if I were, this would start my enthusiasm. opcorn:

[OrangeR]

Great Phil!
Now I'll check for updates in the motorsport section every 5 minutes, wait I already do!!!

Nice to read you again! opcorn:

[mel79]

RallyRaider + Steve McQueen + Porsche 917K =

Le Mans is my favorite automotive movie and Steve's been my hero ever since I first saw Bullitt. After spending a weekend at last year's Le Mans classic I was full of enthusiasm to build the Fujimi kit as Steve's ride (although being a Finn Leo Kinnunen/Pedro Rodriguez were a tempting driver team too) but never got it started (how usual of me...). I'm really glad to see this project built with your superb standards Phil

-Mikko

[Decs0105]

Originally Posted by mel79

RallyRaider + Steve McQueen + Porsche 917K =

hehe that's it, there's nothing to add opcorn:

[davesans]

Another cool thread to follow.

[RunFlat]

I'm taking notes and I know there are two other guys in our club who want to build a 917 the same way too! Hehehehehe......no pressure right!

And I agree about the amount of work that you've done so far. When you first look at the kit you think that it's a quick build but then a little detail here and there and it adds up.

[godfather23]

Regarding your knowlegdge about 917´s when I build my Hippie-917, this will be awesome and a joy to follow! in a long time we didn´t have any 917´s on the Forum, now we have two builds which is just great. Keep it coming!

[RallyRaider]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I need as much encouragement as I can get!
Here is the internal detail of the door. It isn't hinged but is positionable open and closed. The tubes are styrene as are the "hinges". In the closed position it sits nice and tight, better be careful not to muck it up with too much paint.





Sean, you can borrow as many ideas as you wish, cause I intend to use plenty of yours.

Rob, one day I will take you up on that very kind offer!