VIN: the Gulf Racing Porsche 917 chassis 035
History of chassis 035
Chassis 035 was one of eight 917 Kurzhecks used by the Gulf Oil-sponsored John Wyer Automotive Engineering squad during the 1971 season. Porsche had recruited Wyer’s team to manage the 917 competition programme for 1970 and 1971 to enable the factory to concentrate on development.
Throughout its career, chassis 035 raced under the identity of 015 for carnet reasons. The real chassis 015 (another JWAE Gulf car) had returned to Porsche at the end of 1970.
035 made its debut at the opening round of the 1971 World Sportscar Championship, the Buenos Aires 1000km, where it was allocated to Pedro Rodriguez and Jackie Oliver. Although Oliver had a minor off during practice which necessitated some repairs, 035 still qualified on pole. It came home second in the race behind the sister car of Jo Siffert / Derek Bell.
JWAE next ran 035 at the Brands Hatch 1000km three months later (round four). Rodriguez / Oliver once again took the wheel and qualified fourth. Unfortunately, on this occasion 035 retired at one third distance with fuel feed problems.
Everything subsequently came good for 035 at the Spa 1000km five weeks later. Rodriguez and Oliver qualified third. Together with the pole-starting sister car, the Gulf 917s controlled the race from start to finish; Rodriguez / Oliver took the win and second placed Siffert / Bell were the only car not to be lapped.
Chassis 035 made its final two appearances at Watkins Glen towards the end of July where the World Sportscar Championship finale and a Can-Am race were held over consecutive days.
035 was allocated to Derek Bell and Richard Attwood who qualified fourth on the grid for the 6 Hour World Championship contest. Their race (like that of the other Gulf 917) was hampered by a rash of punctures and rain-soaked ignition leads. Nevertheless, they finished second and third with 035 taking the final podium spot.
The next day, Derek Bell drove 035 in the Can-Am race. By this time, the Group 5 917s were not in the same league as the unlimited Group 7 machinery. Bell qualified 15th and finished the 82 lap race in eleventh.
Afterwards, chassis 035 was retired from active duty.
In 1972 it was sold to serial Porsche racer, Raymond Touroul, who was based on the outskirts of Paris.
035 subsequently passed through the hands of a couple more French owners before entering the long-term ownership of Gilles Bochand in 1985.
Notable History
John Wyer Automotive Engineering / Gulf Racing
10/01/1971 WSC Buenos Aires 1000km (P. Rodriguez / J. Oliver) 2nd oa, 2nd S class (#32)
04/04/1971 WSC Brands Hatch 1000km (P. Rodriguez / J. Oliver) DNF fuel system (#7)
09/05/1971 WSC Spa 1000km (P. Rodriguez / J. Oliver) 1st oa, 1st S5.0 class (#21)
24/07/1971 WSC Watkins Glen 6 Hours (D. Bell / R. Attwood) 3rd oa, 2nd S class (#2)
25/07/1971 CAM Watkins Glen (D. Bell) 11th oa, 3rd S5.0 class (#93)
1972 sold to Raymond Tourol, Creteil
1973 sold to Marcel Balsa, Maison Alfort
1983 sold to Rene Mazzia, Le Mans
1985 sold to Gilles Bochand, Compiegne
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Porsche - https://www.porsche.com
