Porsche typ 1983 (Racing transaxle for Automobiles Matra)
In 1972, Matra’s motorsport division commissioned Porsche to design and manufacture a synchronized gearbox adapted for turbocharged engines.Furthermore, Porsche was to provide ongoing technical support for these gearboxes and supply spare parts.
Porsche developed a special version, mounted in a modified Matra chassis. The Type 1983’s internal mechanics (gears and forks) were based on the Type 2 908 gearbox (three different versions of the Type 908 gearbox were installed on the Porsche 908 during its racing career), but with modifications that Porsche likely developed for its 908 turbo engine.
Testing was conducted in the winter of 1972/1973 in Weissach. The gearbox was mounted with a Matra V12 engine, which was mounted on a Matra MS120 chassis with the rear axle from the MS670 prototype. On the rig, the front axle of this “hybrid” was secured with chains, and the rear axle with rotating drums. Ballast was also placed on the rear axle, simulating real-world aerodynamic loads. Behind the wheel was Matra mechanic Gilbert Milan (who “accelerated” to 320 km/h on the spot), in the presence of Matra engineer Jean-Louis Trapon (who spoke German) and Porsche engineers.
The 1983 Porsche TY was installed on the following chassis: In 1973 Le Mans # 10 Matra MS670B chassis 03 # 11 Matra MS670B chassis 02 # 12 Matra MS670B chassis 01 Watkins Glen # 32 Matra MS670B chassis 01 In 1974 Le Mans # 6 Matra MS680 chassis 01 # 7 Matra MS670C chassis 06 # 8 Matra MS670B chassis 02 # 9 Matra MS670C chassis 05
During the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans, around 11:00 a.m., the #7 Matra MS670C (06), running in first place, suffered a gearbox failure.A 45-minute repair was required in the pits.According to a common story, Porsche mechanics assisted in the repairs in the Matra pits.However, no Porsche representatives are visible in the photographs provided.Therefore, a more plausible version is that a Porsche engineer was present in the Matra pits to file a complaint about a prohibited repair (ACO regulations prohibited gearbox casing replacement).Had the repairs taken longer or had the prohibited repairs been performed, Porsche would have secured victory.
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