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Porsche Pays Tribute to Swiss Racing Driver Jo Siffert with Modern One-Off Model
With the 911 GT3 RS Tribute to Jo Siffert, Porsche honors the late Swiss racing driver while commemorating the first victory of the legendary 917 almost 55 years ago. On August 10, 1969, Siffert and Kurt Ahrens clinched the first international 1,000-kilometer race at the Österreichring near Zeltweg. This race marked the first win for the 917, a car initially considered difficult to drive due to its high speeds and aerodynamics.
The experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur built this extraordinary one-off model as part of the Sonderwunsch program. The vehicle will be displayed at Swiss Porsche centers in August 2024 before becoming a highlight at the “Auto Zürich” trade fair from November 7 to 10, 2024. The buyer will be selected randomly from all interested parties.
Joseph “Jo” Siffert holds a cult status in Switzerland 50 years after his death. The Fribourg native was a charismatic racing driver with exceptional talent. Siffert’s passion for motorsport was legendary, competing in 298 races over 11 years, often participating in multiple races during the same weekend. “Jo Siffert, together with Kurt Ahrens, began the success story of the 917 by winning at Zeltweg in 1969. His relentless pursuit of racing perfectly aligns with our brand core – Driven by Dreams,” says Michael Glinski, CEO of Porsche Schweiz AG.
Tribute to Jo Siffert: A Unique 911 GT3 RS
The family of Jo Siffert was closely involved in creating this special 911 GT3 RS. Philippe Siffert, Jo's son, and Jérémy Siffert, his grandson, participated in the project workshop in Zuffenhausen. “Witnessing the creation of this Porsche in honor of my father was extremely exciting,” says Philippe Siffert. “The Porsche Sonderwunsch Manufaktur team has transformed a rare 911 GT3 RS into a unique piece, infused with Jo Siffert’s spirit.”
Design and Customization
The tribute model's design is inspired by the Porsche 917 that Siffert and Ahrens drove to victory at the Österreichring. The car is predominantly painted in Pure White, featuring Viper Green contrast sections on the front wings and parts of the front end. These colors are part of the “Paint to Sample” program. The middle section of the large rear wing is also painted in Viper Green. The car’s start number “29” is prominently displayed on the doors, front bonnet, under the rear wing, and on the tire valve caps. The classic Porsche lettering with a striped design on the doors and side sections is also inspired by the original vehicle.
Attention to Detail
With meticulous attention to detail, Porsche design experts recreated the contemporary sponsor decals with support from Bosch and Shell. The Bosch decal with the spark plug is positioned on the rear wheel arches, while the Shell decal with the wordmark in the shell is located below the rear window near the service flaps for oil and coolant.
The silhouette of the 917KH is featured on the center lock of the satin black magnesium wheels, and this stylized side view also adorns the side plates of the rear wing. A special badge in the helmet design is placed on the B-pillars, showcasing Jo Siffert’s name and signature.
Interior and Personal Touches
The interior exudes a racing atmosphere with Race-Tex in Black and Guards Red. The helmet motif is embroidered in the headrests, and the door entry guards feature the 917 silhouette combined with Siffert’s signature. Even the vehicle key has been customized, with side bolsters painted in Pure White or Viper Green, and the 917 silhouette printed in contrasting colors. Jo Siffert’s autograph is embossed on the center console cover and the leather key case.
Jo Siffert and the Porsche 917
“We owe the 1969 World Sportscar Championship largely to Jo Siffert. He was the fastest driver on our team,” recalled former senior race engineer Peter Falk in 2018. Porsche won seven out of ten races that season, with Siffert securing five victories alongside Briton Brian Redman and one with Kurt Ahrens in Zeltweg. “Our victory in Zeltweg was the start of the 917's success story, and it was an honor to share the cockpit with Jo,” says Ahrens.
Porsche Legacy
In 1968, the FIA changed the Manufacturer’s World Championship regulations, increasing the displacement limit to five liters and reducing the homologation requirement to 25 cars. The three-liter Porsche 908 was no longer competitive, necessitating the creation of the five-liter 917. The 917's success is legendary, winning the Sports Car World Championship in 1969 and achieving triumphs at Le Mans in 1970 and 1971.
Sadly, Jo Siffert did not witness these later successes. After his Porsche career, he died in a fatal accident at the age of 35 during the Formula 1 race at Brands Hatch, UK, on October 24, 1971.
For those inspired by this rich history and the modern tribute, Auto Trader UAE offers a wide range of used Porsche cars for sale in Dubai. Whether you’re interested in the iconic 911 GT3 RS or other luxury models, explore our listings to find the perfect pre-owned Porsche in Dubai.
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