Pocher
POCHK122 - Pocher 1/8 HK117 Porsche 917k - Martini Edition
- SKU:
- POCHK122
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Free shipping in Canada
- Shipping:
- Calculated at Checkout
Description
POCHK122 - Pocher 1/8 HK117 Porsche 917k - Martini Edition
This might be the second Porsche 917 in the Pocher range, but this luxury 1:8 scale Porsche model kit brings a whole new modelling experience to your workbench. Every component of the Porsche 917KH MARTINI tells a story and the history behind the original race car is exciting too. You can find out more about that here.
This article takes you behind the scenes of the Pocher process, with a closer look at every detail of this iconic car. This is Pocher ingenuity at its finest, designed to deepen your appreciation of the modelling process. Lead engineer George explains the reasoning behind key parts of your build.
Recreating the Flat-12 engine: a mechanical icon
“The engine is, to me, the soul of the Porsche 917. It’s what gives the car its legendary status and raw character. I’ve always been fascinated by how Porsche engineered that flat-12 powerhouse to deliver over 600 horsepower, pushing the car to speeds beyond 240 mph back in the early '70s. That kind of performance wasn’t just impressive; it was revolutionary and the 917 dominated Le Mans in 1970 and 1971.
“What really draws me in, though, is how the engine’s compact, purposeful design contributed to the car’s balance and handling, not just its speed. Building the Pocher model, I found the engine to be the most rewarding part. It’s incredibly detailed and gives you a real appreciation for the mechanical brilliance behind the car. It’s not just a component; it’s a tribute to Porsche’s racing legacy.
“One of the biggest challenges was not just building the engine but understanding how it all fits together – there aren’t many real-life examples to study up close. The flat-12 is incredibly detailed, and without easy access to a physical reference, I had to rely heavily on photos and diagrams. Some parts, like the exhaust system, needed careful adjustment to align properly, but once it all came together, it was one of the most rewarding parts of the build.”
Engineering the body panels for a sculpted silhouette
The sculpted shape of the Porsche 917KH was an essential component of its race success. The KH stands for “Kurzheck”, the German word for “short tail”, and had several performance and safety benefits:
- Improved stability: The original longtail (Langheck) version of the Porsche 917 was extremely fast but notoriously unstable at high speeds. The Kurzheck design shortened the rear end and reduced the upward sweep of the tail, which significantly improved aerodynamic stability - especially important for endurance racing like Le Mans.
- Better downforce: The shorter tail helped generate more downforce, which kept the car planted on the track. This was vital in an era before advanced aerodynamic aids like diffusers and complex wings.
- Enhanced handling: With improved aerodynamics, the 917KH (Kurzheck) became much easier and safer to drive, especially through corners and in variable weather conditions. This made it more competitive and reliable over long races.
- Race success: The 917K’s design changes directly contributed to Porsche’s first overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970, and again in 1971. Its balance of speed and reliability made it a dominant force in endurance racing.
“The hinged doors shouldn’t cause builders too much issue for the build – they use a simple spring to make them stay open should you wish to display that way. Of course, the real car didn’t have that.”
The invisible brilliance of the suspension and undercarriage
“Even though much of the detail under the car isn’t visible when the model is on display, it’s still important to include it because it reflects the engineering integrity of the real vehicle.
“For enthusiasts and builders, knowing that the suspension, chassis structure and drivetrain components are all faithfully recreated adds a deeper level of authenticity and satisfaction. It also allows for a more immersive building experience, where you’re not just assembling a display piece, but recreating the full mechanical story of the car. It’s that hidden craftsmanship that sets a high-quality model apart.
“The working suspension was carefully engineered to replicate the real car’s setup, using functional springs and linkages that mirror the geometry and movement of the original 917.
“Including this feature adds a layer of realism that goes beyond static display, it gives builders a deeper appreciation for how the car handled on the track. It also showcases the complexity of the vehicle’s design, especially underneath, where much of the engineering brilliance lies.
“Even if it’s not always visible, knowing it’s there makes the model feel more complete and truer to the spirit of the original machine.”
The iconic MARTINI livery: racing royalty in colour
“The model tooling is largely similar to the last, but there have been some modifications to the externals of the vehicle, removing the air intakes from under the windscreen, removing the rearview mirror bulge, and removing the holes in the side for the fuelling system, which has also been modified.
“The livery is the standout feature of this model compared to the previous Porsche kit. We've pre-applied many of the challenging water decals to simplify the build and ensure the iconic stripes maintain a consistent appearance, as they can be tricky to apply on such a curvaceous body.
“The bold MARTINI stripes are instantly recognisable and represent one of the most legendary Le Mans wins in history. This car set a distance record in 1971 that stood for decades. For fans of endurance racing, it is a model that does not just look the part, it tells a story.”
The joy of slow building
Whether you’re recreating the renowned Porsche 917KH in its striking MARTINI livery or any of our other premium builds, the joy of Pocher is in the process. To get the most out of your scale model race car kit, make sure to take the time to savour each part of the build and enjoy the challenge.
What you are making is as close to engineering a real race car as you might ever get (unless you are a race car engineer), and each luxurious kit tells its own story.
Is there a Pocher-sized space on your workbench? Discover the Pocher Porsche 917KH MARTINI livery today.
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