This is a model of the very first design of Porsche 917, produced in March, 1969, and raced through the 1969 season.
Mattel modeled the car after the Porsche 917, it had an opening rear engine compartment, Capped redline wheels and a sticker sheet with the number "18" racing decal and rocker panel stripes with the word "Porsche". The Porsche 917 was introduced into the line-up in 1970. This Porsche 917 casting has seen plenty of action through out the years. It was reissued in the line-up in 1973 with the new child safe paints and was part of the Flying Colors years to be laid to rest in 1979.
The Cars were packaged with a metal or plastic 'Collector's Button'
It was also featured on a plastic drinking cup from the Jack In The Box restaurant in 1970.
1973 issued cars are a stand alone year. Gone were the spectraflame paints. 1973 models were issued in only Enamel paints.
The P-917 released in 1974 under the name Porsche 917. But the name changed quickly. The P-917 was based on the first car that gave Porsche their first 24 Hours of Le Mans win.
USA Releases
The Porsche 917 has come out in the following 1/64 scale USA versions:
Identification notes for USA castings:
1. White interior
2. Matte black paint on taillight area
3. "Mattel Inc, USA" on base