pictures to show! So here they are 33 years later and still in good
shape. I only wish it had been me to get that ride."
Bill's photos capture the car beautifully in its famous Weissach
domain and brilliant red color.
Herr Mimler died unexpectedly in 1982 at the age of 53. In addition to his duties with Porsche, he donated time on weekends to
drive an ONS rescue vehicle at motorsport events. He had worked
with another factory test driver, Herbert Linge, to establish the ONS
rescue team. I just wish they hadn't burned up a 917 in the process.
035/015 was eventually restored to Gulf colors presumably by
Porsche (although Porsche was known to outsource restoration work
during that period). We know the restoration was prior to 1994
because the car appeared on the cover of Motor Klassik magazine
in April of that year. It can be seen in pictures of the old Porsche
museum and now resides in the 917 row at Porsche's new museum.
The paint scheme replicates its final World Championship race
appearance in the 1000 KM race at Watkins Glen. It is distinctively
the only Gulf 917 in the Porsche Museum.
Many thanks to Paul Gregor, Porsche's Club Liaison for providing
research information from Porsche's company archives. Thanks also
to Bill for the photos and first-hand recollection of "The Taxi".
January 2011
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