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24 Heures du Mans 1970 - Battle of the Titans

Porsche returned with their 917's , five factory cars were entered and another nine of these flat 12 aircooled beasts by privateers. Not to be outdone, 11 Ferrari V12 512's were also entered.

This was the first time the 917 appeared in Gulf livery of the John Wyer team, it would later become famous in the Steve McQueen movie Le Mans. Much of the racing footage in the movie is actually from the race, shot from the No 29 Porsche 908.

McQueen actually tried to enter the race with Jackie Stewart as co-driver in No26, a John Wyer 917K chassis 917-013, but the entry was declined.

Porsche also entered their new low drag 917L (or Longtall) the fastest lap and pole position went to 917L No 25 driven by Elford/Ahrens, but unfortunately would retire with cooling problems.

The race was eventually won by the 917K No 23 of Attwood/Herrmann, second was the 917L No 3 of Larrousse/Kauhsen and third overall was also a Porsche, the 908 No 27 of Lins/Marko.

Porsche had achieved what they set out to do 19 years earlier, overall victory at 24 Heures du Mans.