It might not sport the original flat-twelve or the racing pedigree, but this cleverly crafted replica will offers some of the same thrills for a fraction of the price of the real one. If you’re interested in some homebrewed ingenuity and a respectful rendition of one of the greatest racing cars to grace the Can-Am grid, this can yours for a mere $40,000.
Shown here is a true original 917 chassis. That Jack managed to replicate this relatively true to form is an amazing accomplishment.
Jack, the builder and seller, constructed this frame using a 1:18 model, then grafted on the suspension system from a C6 Corvette. As impressive as those accomplishments are, it’s the formation of the engine which is truly staggering. By mating two three-liter flat-sixes from a Subaru Tribeca—joining them both at the crank—he built his own 490-horsepower motor that does some justice to the 917, even if it isn’t a true Porsche Type 912. Whether the Subaru gearbox can handle that grunt is questionable, but it’s still an incredible achievement.
We caught this car in its formative stages several years back, and now, after ten years, it’s nearly complete. Unfortunately, the engines aren’t connected at the moment, but here’s dyno-run evidence that they make the right sort of noises when they’re joined.
That convincing cockpit would offer enough of a sense of occasion.
Other modifications include a Tilton pedal assembly, an ATL fuel cell, an Aeromotive fuel pump and filter, braided steel fuel lines, Porsche 911 steering system, QA1 coilovers, Michelin tires, a custom tuned exhaust system, Porsche RSR taillights, decals as the car was raced at Watkin’s Glen in 1971, a period-correct MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, a tubular steel replica frame, and VDO gauges for both engines.
Though this beauty still needs a little work, it’s a project that could make a handy enthusiast happy with relatively little effort and expenditure. What other alternative is there at that price point?
For more information on this unique creation, please visit the Craigslist posting or Jack’s YouTube channel.
