Page 27 - Porsche Decades sample pages

1970s
Le Mans The ultimate expression of Porsche in cinema, Le Mans became a cult favorite and beloved by racing fans for capturing the essence of a classic period in sports car racing. It is a must-see for its place in Porsche history and beautiful, documentary-style cinematography. As fate would have it, the filming coincided with Porsche’s first overall win at Le Mans.
Actor and racer Steve McQueen hoped to drive a 917 with Jack- ie Stewart at Le Mans in 1970 as part of filming Le Mans. He prepared by winning two SCCA regional events and finishing second with Peter Revson at the 12 Hours of Sebring in a 908/02 ‘Flounder’. McQueen drove with a broken foot resulting from an accident in a motorcycle race. A minor controversy occurred when Porsche produced a victory poster using McQueen’s like- ness without his permission. The posters were mostly withdrawn but those that remain are highly valuable to collectors. Converse- ly, Gulf Oil printed some eight million of their Le Mans movie posters to be given away for free at Gulf gasoline stations.
The Gumball Rally Numerous cool cars appear in this, one of two 1976 films based on the Cannonball Baker Sea-To- Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The Porsche 911E Targa in the film is driven by two sisters, portrayed by Susan Flannery and Joanne Nail. The Porsche finishes third in the illegal cross- country race.
PORSCHE DECADES
Appendix 2
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ABOVE: Gulf gasoline station poster for Le Mans. (Alamy)
LEFT: Susan Flannery and Joanne Nail in The Gumball Rally. (Alamy)