At a special exhibition marking its 50th anniversary, Porsche itself called it the “race car of the century”—the Porsche 917, a Group 4 sports car designed specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Manufacturers’ World Championship. And in 1970, Porsche was finally able to claim the long-awaited trophy at La Sarthe. The 917 is not just a legend; it is an icon for the brand.
More than five decades after it rewrote the history of endurance racing, this extraordinary machine is once again bringing enthusiasts together for an event unlike any other of its kind. “The Global 917 Reunion” is the name of an extraordinary gathering of ten of these models in one place. And that place isn’t Zuffenhausen or Le Mans, but Gargas—a tiny Provençal village east of Avignon. Essentially in the middle of nowhere.
However, the reunion actually began at the first edition of Le Mans Classic Legend this year. From there, the ten models—and this number alone is extraordinary—made their way to the museum and to the historic chandelier workshop of Mathieu Lustrerie in Gargas, renowned worldwide for its outstanding craftsmanship.
At a time when chandeliers were being replaced by halogen lamps and seemed doomed to disappear, Henri Mathieu created a collection of lighting fixtures made of brushed aluminum slats in the 1970s—light as sculpture. In early 1990, Régis Mathieu took the helm at just 19 years of age.
An extraordinary selection of Porsche 917s will be on display there through August 10, 2026. Some vehicles will be added, while others will be removed. As a result, the exhibition evolves over time, offering visitors an ever-changing experience. This encounter between the race cars and the artistic world of Lustrerie is more than just a car exhibition: it promises a rare moment in which history and aesthetics blend in perfect harmony.
The exhibition is open daily through August 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; no reservation is required. On Friday evenings, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Le Mans with a screening of the film “Le Mans 66 – Against All Odds.” More information is available here.
