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Forum 18
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Topic starter
25/06/2025 1:01 pm
Why was this man smiling, you ask? Well, Mark Donahue got to pilot the ultimate 917: the 1917/30 Can Am Spyder. It's takeover of the Can Am circuit was blamed for the demise of that venue by virtually sweeping the competition off the track. This old poster says it all:
This apex predator of the 917 was given its final upgrades from the 917/20 with a longer wheelbase and not only the twin turbos, but now twin intercoolers that gave the 5.0 liter 12 a 1230 HP rating. With no pitstops allowed, it was fitted with 2 200+ liter fuel tanks. Taken to Talladega in 1975, it averaged 221 mph with a top speed of 237 mph. Only 10 days later, Donahue would be killed in Austria in an F1 event. Restored and returned to it Can Am Sunoco livery, it resides in the Porsche Museum.
25/06/2025 1:52 pm
"Only 10 days later, Donahue would be killed in Austria in an F1 event."
How sad.
Well, pictures speak a thousand words, so I needn't say anything more. Great pics! So.... there's two different models here, or two identical models - but one is shown without the body... or? 🤔 🤔 🤔
Tony Perrone and David Green reacted
Topic starter
25/06/2025 2:17 pm
@chris This was a bundle of model with rolling chassis by Exoto. There was a time when inexplicably Tony K was dumping his stock, so this cost basically the price of the single model. Then he tripled the price of his remaining stock... go figure.