<VV> McQueen's Camara car

[Tony Underwood]

At 06:01 PM 7/16/2012, ricebugg at comcast.net wrote:
>Tony:  McQueen's Le Man's camera car was his Porsche 908 series two.


My error, I stand corrected.  I shoulda paid closer attention.  I'd 
assumed his car was also a 917 since they look a lot alike to a layman.


>He and Peter Revson almost won the 12 Hr of Sebring with it.  He 
>entered the Sebring race to demonstrate to the LeMan's organizers he 
>was indeed a more than a competent race car driver.   He had been 
>running SCCA Nationals with the 908 the previous year.   They 
>actually used Ford GT-40s for the post race filming.  One of which 
>had the roof cut off and then reattached after he was done with it!
>
>You are essentially correct about the flat 12 being 2 sixes 
>combined.  It is painting a generalization with a broad brush, and 
>it wasn't all that easy, but Porsche had a knack for turning flat 4s 
>into flat 8s, flat 6's into their flat 12 and a non-raced flat 16 
>from two flat 8's.  Lots of new parts, but also lots of engine 
>geometry shared between their race engines back back in the '60's 
>and 70's.  Taking the drive off the center of the flat 12 reduced 
>the torsonial vibration of the crank shaft.
>
>Back then racing was simplier, and much more dangerious.  They use 
>to throw away drivers and rebuild race cars, now it is the 
>opposite.  Thankfully.
>
>Historically Yours,
>                                                                 James Rice



Thanks for the details, always ready to learn something.



tony..