There are many road-based sports cars that are turned into stripped-out monsters with the sole purpose of devouring race tracks and outgunning their competitors. But sometimes, there are cars that were bred for the world of motorsport that have found themselves homologated to be road legal. Let’s take a lot at some of the most incredible race cars ever to have borne a pair of number plates.
Porsche 917 Overview
The Porsche 917 is one of the most legendary race cars ever built, introduced in 1969 and becoming a dominant force in endurance racing, particularly at Le Mans, where it won the 24 Hours race in 1970 and 1971. It was designed to comply with the FIA’s Group 4 regulations and became famous for its remarkable speed, reliability, and ability to reach top speeds of over 240 mph in its racing configurations. The Porsche 917 is often credited with cementing Porsche’s legacy in motorsport history.
Design and Development
The Porsche 917 was developed in response to the FIA’s new rules for the World Sportscar Championship, which allowed larger engine capacities in Group 4 competition. Powered by a 4.5-litre flat-12 engine, the 917 was built with the primary focus on speed and endurance. Over time, the engine size increased to 4.9 and even 5.4 litres in different versions, with power output reaching upwards of 1,200 hp in certain configurations.
Its aerodynamic design was revolutionary at the time, incorporating a long tail version known as the 917 LH (Langheck) for straight-line speed and a short tail version, the 917 K (Kurzheck), for improved handling on twisty circuits.
Chassis and Drivetrain
The Porsche 917 features a spaceframe chassis, made from lightweight tubular aluminium. Its engine, a flat-12 with dual overhead cams, was a technological marvel that gave the 917 exceptional speed and durability for long races. The rear-wheel-drive layout, paired with its incredibly light chassis, gave the 917 superior handling for the high-speed endurance circuits.
Performance
In race trim, the Porsche 917’s 0-60 mph time was just 2.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 240 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its era. Its power, derived from the monstrous V12 engine, and light construction enabled it to dominate endurance racing for years. It set a precedent for future race cars, particularly in its ability to consistently deliver performance across various configurations.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Porsche 917 was purely functional, designed with the needs of the driver and endurance racing in mind. Comfort was not a priority; instead, the focus was on maximizing the driver’s control and focus during long races. Basic instrumentation provided vital information about speed, engine performance, and fuel levels.
Variants and Special Models
There were several variants of the 917, including:
- 917K (Kurzheck): Short tail version for better handling on technical tracks.
- 917LH (Langheck): Long tail version designed for maximum speed on straight tracks like Le Mans.
- 917/30: Turbocharged variant used in Can-Am racing, producing over 1,100 hp.
A rare, road-legal version of the Porsche 917 was built for Count Rossi, making it one of the most unique and historically significant examples of the car.
Legacy and Market Impact
The Porsche 917 is one of the most iconic race cars in motorsport history, particularly known for its dominance at Le Mans and its groundbreaking engineering. It remains highly sought after by collectors, with auction prices reaching well into the millions. Its success on the track also helped solidify Porsche’s reputation as a leader in motorsport and high-performance engineering.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that revolutionized endurance racing. Its combination of extreme power, lightweight construction, and superior aerodynamics made it a force to be reckoned with on the track. Today, the 917 is remembered as one of the greatest race cars ever built, with an unparalleled racing legacy and an enduring influence on the world of motorsport.
Specification | Details |
Engine | 4.5-litre to 5.4-litre flat-12 |
Power | Up to 1,200 hp (in Can-Am configuration) |
0-60 mph | 2.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 240+ mph |
Overall Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Legendary racing pedigree
- Extreme power and speed
- Groundbreaking aerodynamics
Cons:
- Impractical for road use
- Extremely rare and expensive
The Porsche 917 remains a symbol of Porsche’s engineering prowess, representing the pinnacle of endurance racing performance and design.
Summary:
The Porsche 917 was never a car designed to wear a pair of number plates it was designed to dominate racetracks the world over. With a hugely advanced lightweight chassis coupled with a flat-12 engine that was purported to make almost 1200 horsepower in full-blown twin turbocharged specification, the 917 was the car to beat in the highest echelons of sports car racing.
But in the 1970s, it seems that the rules as to which cars could be made legal to cruise the French highways were more lenient, especially if you had the vast wealth that Count Rossi had. After the 917 had been retired by Porsche in 1971, the Count bought the ex-Martini racer from Porsche themselves. Having made the interior less Spartan, fitting mufflers and indicators to the car as well as having to mount a number plate (which surprisingly wasn’t “917 VIP” or anything similar), 917 was owned by the Count for almost three decades until his death in 2003.
McLaren F1 GTR
McLaren F1 GTR Overview
The McLaren F1 GTR is the race-bred version of the McLaren F1, initially developed for endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it famously won in 1995. Based on the road-going McLaren F1, the GTR retained much of its groundbreaking technology but was optimized for track performance. With its powerful V12 engine and lightweight construction, the F1 GTR became a symbol of 1990s motorsport excellence.The McLaren F1 is possibly one of the all-time great British cars, a technological marvel replete with a wealth of innovation and creativity all contained within a truly stunning lightweight monocoque.
The GTR was the next level of evolution for an already incredible vehicle, and McLaren were hugely successful in sports-car racing with the F1 GTR a car that was barely changed from the street legal version. It was designed to compete in the FIA GT Championship and other endurance racing series. While the road-going F1 was already a performance icon, the GTR took things further by stripping down unnecessary weight and improving aerodynamics. Key elements like the carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the famous central driving position, and the butterfly doors were retained. Additional aerodynamic features, including a rear wing, enhanced downforce for track performance.
Amazingly, however, some of these cars passed the DVLA car registration restrictions, although the lucky few who can now drive these Le Mans winning machines on British B-roads have to wear headphones to communicate with their passengers over the roar of the V12.
If, say, you’re looking for cheap personalised plates for your McLaren F1, you would be out of luck as both ‘F1’ and ‘F1 GTR’ are already taken and would likely sell for many millions if they did go on the market.
Chassis and Drivetrain
The McLaren F1 GTR is powered by a 6.1-litre BMW S70/2 V12 engine, producing around 600 horsepower in racing spec. Unlike the standard road version, the GTR was tuned for racing, with a focus on durability and performance over long distances. The car’s drivetrain included a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the F1 GTR remained rear-wheel-drive, ensuring that the car was both agile and incredibly fast.
Performance
The McLaren F1 GTR delivers blistering performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 225 mph, slightly less than the road version due to added downforce and racing modifications. Despite this, the GTR was highly competitive in endurance races, thanks to its lightweight construction, superior handling, and powerful V12 engine. The car’s most notable achievement came at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it secured overall victory.
Interior and Features
Unlike the road-going McLaren F1, the GTR’s interior is focused purely on racing functionality. The luxurious features of the standard F1, such as leather and high-end materials, were stripped out in favour of a more Spartan design with racing seats, harnesses, and critical instrumentation for endurance racing. The signature central driving position remained, ensuring that the GTR maintained its unique driver-focused setup.
Variants and Special Models
Multiple versions of the McLaren F1 GTR were produced, with the original 1995 variant being succeeded by the “Longtail” variant in 1997. The F1 GTR Longtail featured even more aggressive aerodynamics, extended bodywork, and a lighter frame, designed to maintain McLaren’s competitiveness in GT racing as the competition grew stronger.
Legacy and Market Impact
The McLaren F1 GTR is revered as one of the greatest racing cars ever produced. Its success at Le Mans, combined with its rarity and connection to the road-going McLaren F1, has made it a highly sought-after collector’s car. Today, the F1 GTR holds a legendary status in motorsport and continues to be an inspiration for McLaren’s modern supercars and hypercars.
The McLaren F1 GTR is a motorsport legend, offering extreme performance, cutting-edge design, and a racing pedigree that few cars can match. Its combination of a powerful V12 engine, lightweight construction, and iconic design has solidified its place in automotive history as one of the most desirable and successful racing cars ever built.
Specification | Details |
Engine | 6.1-litre V12 (BMW S70/2) |
Power | 600 hp |
0-60 mph | 3.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 225 mph |
Overall Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Legendary race car with a winning history
- Groundbreaking design and technology
- Iconic central driving position
Cons:
- High maintenance costs
- Limited road use, primarily a track-focused vehicle
The McLaren F1 GTR remains one of the most revered race cars in automotive history, offering a perfect combination of speed, handling, and engineering brilliance.
Toyota GT-One Overview
Most Toyotas you’re likely to see on the roads are going to be reasonably priced hatchbacks, saloons, and cross-overs. The GT-One is not a normal Toyota, however. In fact, the one-off GT-One is essentially a Le Mans race car with a number plate at both ends and a slightly more comfortable seat.The Toyota GT-One (also known as the TS020) was Toyota’s prototype race car, designed primarily for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998 and 1999. Despite being a full-fledged race car, one road-legal version was produced to meet homologation requirements. With its aggressive aerodynamic design, lightweight carbon-fibre chassis, and powerful turbocharged V8 engine, the GT-One was engineered to compete against other top endurance racing cars.
Design and Development
The Toyota GT-One was developed with a strong focus on aerodynamics, featuring a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that made the car extremely lightweight and structurally rigid. Its low, sleek design emphasized downforce and straight-line speed, making it highly competitive on the long straights at Le Mans. The car was powered by a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produced over 600 horsepower, delivering blistering acceleration and high top speeds. Toyota’s focus on aerodynamics and advanced materials ensured that the GT-One remained a serious contender in endurance racing. But the fact they only made one street legal variant was a point of contention, leading competitors to accuse Toyota of bending the rules. Cheating or not, it’s a glorious thing that it exists.
Chassis and Drivetrain
The GT-One features a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that prioritizes lightness and structural integrity, enhancing its cornering ability and overall performance. The twin-turbo 3.6-litre V8 engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox, providing drivers with quick gear changes for optimized performance.
Performance
With over 600 hp and a weight of just over 900 kg, the Toyota GT-One could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 236 mph. The combination of lightweight construction, aerodynamics, and power made it a formidable competitor in endurance racing, particularly at Le Mans, where it achieved strong results, though it never claimed an outright victory.
Interior and Features
Given its status as a prototype race car, the GT-One’s interior is purely functional, with minimal focus on comfort. The cockpit is outfitted with race-focused controls and instrumentation, designed for maximum concentration and efficiency during long-distance endurance races.
Although one homologation road-legal model was produced, its interior was still stripped down and practical, reflecting its race car origins.
Variants and Special Models
The Toyota GT-One was produced in extremely limited numbers, with just one homologated for road use. While this road-legal version remains one of the rarest hypercars in the world, the majority of the models were designed solely for racing purposes, competing in the 1998 and 1999 Le Mans series.
Legacy and Market Impact
Despite its short-lived racing career, the Toyota GT-One left a lasting legacy as one of Toyota’s most ambitious motorsport projects. The car demonstrated Toyota’s capability to develop cutting-edge race cars that could compete against the best in the world. It remains a highly sought-after collector’s car due to its rarity and connection to Toyota’s motorsport history.
The Toyota GT-One is a rare and powerful example of Toyota’s motorsport engineering prowess. With its combination of a lightweight chassis, advanced aerodynamics, and a powerful V8 engine, the GT-One remains a significant piece of endurance racing history and a cherished homologation special.
Specification | Details |
Engine | 3.6-litre twin-turbo V8 |
Power | 600 hp |
0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 236 mph |
Weight | 900 kg |
Overall Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Extreme rarity, with only one road-legal model produced
- Incredible performance and advanced aerodynamics
- Iconic status in Toyota’s motorsport history
Cons:
- Extremely expensive and difficult to maintain
- Impractical for everyday driving
- Short racing career without a Le Mans victory
The Toyota GT-One remains a significant part of motorsport history and is one of the most exclusive hypercars, blending extreme performance with ultimate rarity.
Comparison: Porsche 917 vs. McLaren F1 GTR vs. Toyota GT-One
Vehicle | Power (hp) | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Racing Pedigree | Rarity |
Porsche 917 | 1,200 (race trim) | 2.3 seconds | 240 mph | Multiple wins at Le Mans (1970-71) | Only 1 road-legal version |
McLaren F1 GTR | 600 | 3.2 seconds | 225 mph | Won Le Mans in 1995 | Limited road-legal versions |
Toyota GT-One | 600 | 3.5 seconds | 236 mph | Competed at Le Mans (1998-1999) | Only 1 road-legal version |
Pros and Cons:
- Porsche 917: Most powerful and fastest, legendary race car, but extremely rare and impractical for road use.
- McLaren F1 GTR: Le Mans-winning pedigree, accessible to collectors, but still rare and expensive.
- Toyota GT-One: Extreme rarity and high performance, but with a shorter racing history and no Le Mans victory.
Summary
All three cars represent the pinnacle of motorsport homologation specials, each excelling in performance and racing heritage. The Porsche 917 is the most powerful and iconic, while the McLaren F1 GTR combines performance with a more recognizable road presence. The Toyota GT-One stands out for its rarity and extreme aerodynamics, despite having a shorter racing career.
As is the way of the world, it’s rather difficult to homologate a competition car for the road due to the stringent laws of car registration. But whilst it would be a very special thing to experience, that would likely wear off after sitting in traffic for a few minutes or trying to talk to a passenger over a roaring race engine.
A personalised number plate is a much more affordable way to add a touch of individuality and flair to your car, and cherished number plates can be an excellent gift for a loved one. With us you can find the ideal private number plate for your vehicle, whatever you’re looking for.