Immaculate 4 year build by LMK of Australia. Dry-sump Porsche 3.6L power, 915 transaxle, period correct center lock wheels. Titled in Florida.
1970 LMK 917K Porsche Replica
Chassis Number – LMK917-026WG
Exterior Color – Psychedelic Watkins Glen Green and Purple
Interior Color – Red Alcantara
Engine Type – 3.6-liter 360 hp Flat 6-cylinder
Gearbox – 915 5-Speed transmission with locking differential
Highlights of this Car
- Four-year commissioned tool room build to exceptionally high standards
- Titled for street use but eligible to participate in historic racing events
- One-owner 917K driven just 50 test miles primarily for suspension set up
Marque and Model History
LMK/Kraftwerkz, Melbourne, Australia, was founded in 1999 by British born Andew Keiller, an aeronautical tool and die maker and technical illustrator who worked on the famed Concorde Supersonic Aircraft. The company began when Keiller was introduced to the Porsche 917 through racer David Piper. Keiller had studied the 917 carefully for a cutaway drawing he’d been working on when he approached Piper for access to his 917 and the chance to photograph the car as part of his research. Having completed the cutaway, as Keiller studied the photos and considered his considerable engineering experience, it occurred to him that he could successfully produce a complete running 917K replica.
Keiller began by molding a 1970 917K-based body mastered and tooled by studying existing examples and reference photos to build tooling molds. Following photos and factory drawings, a tubular steel chassis was constructed as Keiller replicated pedals, seats, wheels, and other parts sourcing originals from Melbourne based enthusiast Alan Hamilton. The first 917k was completed in 2003 using a 3.8-liter Porsche flat six engine mated to an inverted G50 5-speed manual gearbox. By 2015 Keiller and his two sons had completed over 25 cars, nearly all of which have been titled and registered for road use. Owners all over the world continue to praise the workmanship and engineering of these replicas as they offer the best of the original looks and dynamic driving experience with the added benefit of modern drivetrains and contemporary engineering.
History of this Car
This 917K replica was commissioned in 2013, completed in 2017, and delivered to the current consigning North American based owner. Construction was completed at LMK, Australia based on the LMK 4130 chromoly tubular steel chassis featuring correct front and rear A-arms, correct uprights and steering, and coil-over suspension. The car is powered by a 3.6-liter 360hp air-cooled Porsche flat six-cylinder twin-plug engine mated to an inverted 915 5-Speed transmission with a locking differential. The engine was sourced from a 993 Porsche which had traveled approximately 40k miles when it was removed and prepared for installation in this car. In preparation for installation, the heads were removed, a valve job was performed, and new guides installed. Engine features include individual 44mm EFI (butterfly type) throttle bodies with 36lb injectors, a MoTeC engine management system, 1.75” inch primary equal-length headers to collectors with a 3-inch exhaust, and a dry sump lubrication system with a 4-gallon oil tank, and twin 38-liter fuel tanks. The mid-mounted engine features a vertical flat fan assembly which can be seen through the top of the rear body section, similar to the original design.
The front of the low-profile body can be raised via an onboard front lift system which hydraulically lifts the front of the car to aid clearance when encountering steep angle ramps. The composite construction body was finished with Green and Purple "psychedelic” livery inspired by the Porsche 917-021 campaigned by Martini International Racing’s Gijs van Lennep and Gérard Larrousse at the 1970 Watkins Glen 6 Hours race. Additional features include NACA air intake ducts, front and rear tow eyes, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Dunlop CR82 racing tires, 430/1160-15 front and 530/1500-15 rear mounted on period-correct 5-spoke center-lock alloy wheels.
Visually astonishing and remarkably robust in construction, this 917K replica is titled for street use and also eligible for historic racing events. A Lifeline Fire Zero 2000 onboard fire-suppression system, inside and outside battery cutoff switches, a roof-mounted rear view mirror, and 5-point racing harnesses for both the driver and passenger are just a few of the many competition accessories. Upon completion of this build, the Melbourne, Australia based LMK company transported the car to the current US based owner. The car has since been driven in test sessions at Road America to set up the suspension, covering approximately 50 miles since it was delivered. This 917K has since been stored in a climate-controlled airport hangar until delivered to California for consignment.
General Overview
Today this beautiful LMK 917 replica has been faithfully maintained under professional care with the original commissioning owner. Finished in the stunning and historic two-color livery, the exterior finishes are beautiful benefiting from minimal use over the past seven years. The exterior lighting, plexiglass windows, and detailed body features are consistently fine in finish and presentation. The wraparound windscreen and forward hinging doors are dramatically contoured and impressively fabricated. The wide profile alloy wheels are fitted with center lock hubs and tuck perfectly under the impossibly low-profile bodywork. Wickedly powered and beautifully contoured, the rear of the car is contrasted by exposed mechanicals against the twin trailing rear fender fins – the view essentially all approaching contenders will be sequestered to when attempting to overtake.
Raising the forward hinged doors, the cockpit is clean and very well laid out with a forward-favored driving position, formed seats covered in red Alcantara, and draped with five-point racing harnesses for both occupants. A fire suppression system is professionally installed beneath the dashboard. Seating is commanding and exciting with right side gear selector, right hand driving position, and panoramic views through the wraparound windscreen. Rear vision is also aided by a roof mounted rear view mirror. A Momo steering wheel fronts an array of VDO instruments surrounded by an Alcantara wrapped dashboard and instrument binnacle.
With the rear body section hinged forward and held in position with a support brace, the mechanical components, beautifully finished suspension, and ground-breaking engineering celebrate not only the excellence of the original design, but the clever recreation and thoughtful configuration that comprises this 917K replica. The engine compartment is beautifully detailed with the centerpiece twin-plug flat-eight engine trumpeting mid-engine power and glory. The Porsche engine and 5-speed transaxle, tuned exhaust, and birdcage space frame collectively captivate the imagination with both street and track capabilities readily at hand. Although this car has been expertly prepared and features safety equipment, we recommend a professional race shop perform an inspection and review all systems before use in a competition setting. This car is offered with a car cover and a support brace to secure the rear body section when raised for engine and gearbox access.
This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a precision built 917k replica constructed by the premier builders in the field of Porsche replica race cars. With proven performance and reliable miles driven by the original commissioning owner, this LMK 917K replica is sure to be the hit of many worldwide vintage events, Porsche club gatherings, or road tours. The superb mechanical condition, stunning visual presentation, and rarity will continue to deliver an exceptional driving experience unlike anything else on the road today.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608