Porsche 907 - The Ultimate Guide

Porsche built a total of 21 Porsche 907s between 1967 and 1968. These cars were purpose-built prototypes designed specifically for endurance racing, and they came in both short-tail and long-tail configurations depending on the race and aerodynamic needs.

Despite the low production number, the 907 played a crucial role in Porsche’s motorsport journey, bridging the gap between the 910 and the legendary 908 and 917. Each chassis was a serious piece of engineering, optimized for lightweight performance, high-speed stability, and long-distance durability. Today, surviving examples are exceedingly rare and highly prized by collectors and vintage racers.

The price of a Porsche 907 today typically ranges from $4 million to over $6 million, depending on its condition, originality, and most importantly, its racing history. Cars with notable appearances or podium finishes at major events like Le Mans, Daytona, or the Targa Florio can command premium prices.

With only 21 examples ever built and its significance as a key stepping stone in Porsche’s prototype racing legacy, the 907 is both extremely rare and historically important. As such, it’s considered a crown jewel in Porsche’s golden era of endurance racing and is highly sought after by collectors and historic motorsport enthusiasts alike.

The Porsche 907 came with two main engine configurations during its racing life, each offering a different level of performance depending on the race and regulations.

Most commonly, the 907 was powered by a 2.0-liter flat-six engine, similar to those used in the 906 and 910, producing around 220 to 230 horsepower. This version was optimized for reliability and fuel efficiency in long-distance endurance races, particularly in the early outings of the 907.

Later variants, especially those competing in events where more power was needed, were fitted with a 2.2-liter or 2.2–2.3-liter flat-eight engine, derived from Porsche’s Formula One technology. These high-revving engines produced around 270 to 290 horsepower, giving the 907 a much stronger top-end performance—especially useful on high-speed circuits like Le Mans or Monza.

Combined with its lightweight chassis (around 600 kg / 1,320 lbs) and aerodynamic long-tail bodywork, the 907’s powertrain delivered exceptional speed, handling, and endurance performance, making it a formidable competitor in the late 1960s prototype racing scene.

The Porsche 907 enjoyed significant racing success during its brief but impactful tenure between 1967 and 1968, playing a crucial role in Porsche’s climb to dominance in endurance racing. It was the first Porsche prototype specifically designed to challenge for outright victories rather than just class wins—and it delivered.

One of the 907’s most historic moments came in 1968 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where Porsche scored a 1-2-3 finish, marking the brand’s first overall win at a 24-hour endurance race. This was a landmark achievement, proving that Porsche could not only compete with but beat giants like Ford and Ferrari on the global stage. The victory established the 907 as a serious prototype and positioned Porsche as a legitimate contender for outright wins, not just class honors.

The 907 also saw strong performances at other major races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio, and Le Mans, often placing high overall and winning its class. In 1967, the 907 was entered in both short-tail and long-tail configurations, the latter developed specifically for the high-speed Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. While it didn’t win Le Mans outright, it laid the groundwork for the later 908 and 917, which would go on to achieve legendary status.

Overall, the Porsche 907 proved that Porsche could build not just quick and reliable race cars, but true prototypes capable of leading the pack. Its success was pivotal in Porsche's evolution from underdog to powerhouse in the golden era of endurance racing.

The Porsche 907 was special because it marked a major turning point in Porsche’s motorsport ambitions—it was the brand’s first prototype race car truly engineered to go after outright victories at the world’s biggest endurance events, not just class wins. Introduced in 1967, the 907 combined lightweight construction, refined aerodynamics, and increasingly powerful engines to push Porsche into the top tier of international sports car racing.

One of the most notable features of the 907 was its long-tail body design, created specifically for high-speed circuits like Le Mans. This aerodynamic shape gave it exceptional stability and straight-line speed, making it more competitive against the big-displacement V8s and V12s from Ferrari and Ford. It was also a versatile platform—used in both short-tail and long-tail variants—and powered by either a 2.0-liter flat-six or a more powerful 2.2-liter flat-eight, delivering up to 290 horsepower in a car that weighed just over 600 kg (1,320 lbs).

But what truly set the 907 apart was its racing success. In 1968, the 907 delivered Porsche its first-ever overall 24-hour endurance race victory at Daytona, sweeping the podium with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that Porsche was ready to challenge the world’s best for overall honors. It also played a pivotal role in Porsche winning the 1968 International Championship for Makes, the precursor to today’s World Endurance Championship.

Ultimately, the Porsche 907 was more than just a race car—it was a launchpad. It proved that Porsche’s engineering philosophy of lightweight agility and technical precision could beat brute force, and it laid the foundation for the even more dominant 908 and 917 that followed. In the story of Porsche’s rise to racing greatness, the 907 was the car that turned potential into reality.