Glory Days: 24 Hours of Daytona 1968

Dave Despain presents period coverage of the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. Porsche achieved a 1-2-3 victory with a trio of 907s. The Elford 907-005 took first, followed by Siffert's 907-008 and in 3rd 907-011driven by Schlesser.

[@zippyt.libertine3787]

My Boy Scout troop worked as runners in the press box. Fond memories.

[@billmoyer3254]

I saw this race...lived in Daytona Beach

[@michellevesque2130]

Fantastic coverage for the time !

[@aureliobrighton1871]

It might be worth noting that early '917s', other than the 907s steelframe, were flimsy aluminium (or magnesium) tubes with negligible downforce. Meaning a highly flammable Gfk covered leaf in high gusts. Just look at the Woolfe Racing wreck. Siffert, Elford, Stommelen and the german works drivers had to be fearless absolute magicians to race them things. Apart from that I think Mario Andretti looks every inch the epitome of a racedriver. Thanks for the great document.

[@simeonorive145]

Ive made a similar comment on another video of the 917 being not as robust as the 512 Ferraris in the 1970 season and that upset many a Porsche keyboard warrior. Even the Aluminum tubed 917s were not meant to last more than 1 or 2 long races. No hate on the 917s they were incredible cars at the cost of strength.

[@sergioleone3583]

@@simeonorive145 I can't remember if it was Elford or Redman or someone else, but the early 917s had a pressure gauge on the chassis, it was filled with some inert gas to confirm no cracks. When the pressure went to zero, park it, because the frame's tubing had cracked.

[@peterkissinger9696]

these „early 917s“ are actually 907s.

[@aureliobrighton1871]

@@peterkissinger9696 Thank you, I will change my comment accordingly.

[@hmdwgf]

Who are the drivers at 0:31 and 0:33?

[@joefell7845]

Jr. Johnson , Richard Petty.

[@invisiblepuppet3437]

7:18