The Story So Far
Derek Bell MBE is one of the most renowned drivers in the world of motorsport. His racing career has spanned over four decades, during which he has won five world championships and competed in more than 500 races. Bell has been particularly successful in endurance racing, where he has achieved victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 1000 km of Monza, just to name a few.
Bell’s most iconic racing car was the Porsche 917, a car that he drove to victory in the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans. This remarkable car was designed and built by Porsche as a response to the increasingly competitive racing scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 917 was a technological marvel of its time, being powered by a flat-12 engine and featuring a revolutionary aerodynamic design.
Derek Bell and the Porsche 917
Derek Bell was one of the original drivers for the Porsche 917 when it was unveiled in 1969. He was instantly impressed by the car and its potential, and he would go on to compete in the car in several races over the next few years. Bell’s success in the 917 was almost immediate, as he won the 1970 1000 km of Monza race in the car.
The most significant victory of Bell’s career came in 1971, when he and co-driver Jo Siffert won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the Porsche 917. This was a remarkable achievement, as the car had only been in existence for two years. Bell and Siffert’s victory was the first of five consecutive wins for the Porsche 917 at Le Mans, cementing its place in racing history.
The Legacy of the Porsche 917
The Porsche 917 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic racing cars of all time. It is remembered for its revolutionary design and powerful engine, as well as for the success it achieved with drivers such as Derek Bell. The car has been featured in numerous films and video games, and is still a popular choice for collectors and racing enthusiasts.
The Porsche 917 also served as a major inspiration for many other racing cars that followed, such as the Porsche 956 and 962. These cars featured technology derived from the 917, such as its aerodynamic design and powerful engine. It is no surprise that the Porsche 917 is considered to be one of the most influential racing cars of all time.
The Legacy of Derek Bell
Derek Bell is a motorsport legend, and his success in the Porsche 917 is a testament to his skill and dedication. He has been inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame and has been given an MBE for his services to motorsport. Bell will always be remembered as one of the greatest drivers of all time, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Porsche 917 and Derek Bell are two of the most iconic figures in the world of motorsport. The car’s revolutionary design and powerful engine coupled with Bell’s skill and dedication have resulted in one of the most successful partnerships in racing history. The Porsche 917 and Derek Bell will always be remembered for their remarkable accomplishments, and their legacy will live on for many years to come.
