Porsche 911 RSR “Pink Pig” Miniature 1:18: The Iconic Car That Livened Up Le Mans
The Porsche 911 RSR Pink Pig is one of the most unforgettable race cars ever seen at Le Mans. Not only for its impressive performance, but also for its unusual appearance: a pink paint job with lines that mimic cuts of pork, created as a playful provocation, which has become part of Porsche's motorsports history. Combining cutting-edge German engineering, eccentric design, and solid track performance, the 911 RSR Pink Pig won fans around the world and became one of the most collectible and memorable models ever produced by the Stuttgart brand.
RACE CARS
Driven Vault
8/26/20253 min read
History and Origin
Porsche's relationship with the “Pink Pig” paint job began in 1971, when the brand introduced the Porsche 917/20 “Sau,” nicknamed the “Pink Pig.” The idea was to combine extreme aerodynamics with visual humor, and the paint job eventually became part of Le Mans folklore.
Decades later, in 2018, Porsche decided to revive this tradition to celebrate its 70th anniversary in sports cars. The chosen entry was the Porsche 911 RSR, which competed in the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE-Pro category.
The #92 car, driven by Kévin Estre, Michael Christensen, and Laurens Vanthoor, not only attracted attention for its appearance but also shone on the track, winning its category and writing a new golden page in the brand's history.
Design and Style
What sets the 911 RSR Pink Pig apart from any other racing Porsche is, without a doubt, its paint job.
Vibrant Pink: applied throughout the body.
Black Lines: imitate cuts of meat, as if it were a "butcher's manual."
Inscriptions in German: each part of the car was marked with names like "Schinken" (ham) or "Schwanz" (tail), reinforcing the playfulness.
Beyond its looks, the 911 RSR featured the traditional muscular design of the 911 racing car, with refined aerodynamics, wide wings, and aggressive diffusers. It was the perfect combination of art and automotive engineering.
Cultural Impact and Exclusivity
The Porsche 911 RSR Pink Pig's victory at Le Mans 2018 was a milestone: the car not only performed well on the track, but also became a popular Porsche symbol.
The revival paint job was so successful that Porsche launched special miniature versions, collectible models, and even official merchandise inspired by the car.
Trivia
The nickname "Pink Pig" originated in 1971 with the Porsche 917/20, which failed to finish the race but became famous for its livery.
The 2018 911 RSR Pink Pig won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE-Pro category, unlike its "ancestor."
The livery was developed as an inside joke among engineers and designers, but it ended up winning fans worldwide.
Engineering and Mechanics
The 2018 Porsche 911 RSR was built to be one of the most competitive cars in the GTE-Pro category. Unlike the street-legal 911, the engine was moved in front of the rear axle (mid-engine layout), improving cornering balance and weight distribution.
Another highlight was the aerodynamics, developed to provide consistent downforce on the long straights and fast corners of Le Mans, keeping the car stable even at speeds above 300 km/h.
Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine
Power: ~510 hp
Transmission: 6-speed sequential transmission
Weight: ~1,243 kg (regulated)
Top Speed: 300+ km/h
Category: FIA WEC – GTE-Pro
Iconic Year: 2018 (Porsche's 70th Anniversary)
The Porsche 911 RSR Pink Pig is more than a race car—it's a piece of Porsche history that combines performance and irreverence. Its victory at Le Mans 2018 crowned not only impeccable engineering but also a bold idea that transformed a car into a cultural icon.
