The Stuttgart automaker has released a one-off 911 GT3 RS in memory of Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. While not an internationally recognized name, Siffert had participated in hundreds of races before his tragic demise in 1971. He was also the one who brought Porsche the first victory behind the wheel of its 917 model, which would proceed to become iconic.
On August 10, 1969, a racing team with Jo Siffert in it won the 1,000-kilometer race at the Österreichring track, bringing the Porsche 917 its first international racing award. The company has now teamed up with Bosch and Shell – its sponsors from 55 years ago – to commemorate the talented driver. Siffert’s family members also took part in the project, helping stylize the modern car after the original 917.
They finished the body in the recognizable combination of Viper Green and white and put the starting number 29 on the sides. They also reproduced some of the original’s sponsor decals and other fine details for maximum accuracy. The outlines of the original 917 model made it onto the body of the car along with the driver’s signature and the image of his helmet. A custom key fob rounded off the homage.
Now that it is complete, the 911 GT3 RS Siffert Tribute Edition will embark on a demo tour around Switzerland. It will later crop up at an auto show in Zurich and will be sold to a randomly chosen buyer.