Porsche RSK 718

The Porsche RSK

This mid-engine, rear-drive racer first appeared in 1958, and is one of the early "true" racing Porsches from Zuffenhausen.

Its internal name is RSK 718/1500. The "RS" meaning "RennSport", the "K" denoting the suspension, the "718" is the chassis type, and "1500" is the engine size in cc. It was prepared for Formula 2 racing.

This particular car could reach 155 mph on the track. Also produced was a 718 Bergspyder, a special version made to compete (and win) hillclimbs (hence the name "Bergspyder"). Other developments include:

• 1959 -- The 1.5 L engine was increased in size to 1.6 liters, and produced 148hp.
• 1960 -- RS60. The car was heavily redesigned and badged RS60. Its wheelbase was now 100mm longer and it carried larger wheels and tires. 12 of these were built, 4 of which stayed with the factory.

From Le Mans to Sebring, the Porsche 718 dominated the racing world throughout the fifties and early sixties. This legendary car was driven by the heroes of the day; Sterling Moss, Jean Behra, Von Trips, Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, to name a few. These cars were winning races throughout their years, even when up against the larger 3-liter Ferraris! RSK/RS60 racers won the Targa Florio 1959-60. They also won the hillclimb again, placing 1st through 5th.

By 1962, the RS Porsches were no longer competitive, and Porsche was at work on a new sports-racing car, the 904. They remain today one of the rarest, most beautiful of the early Porsches, and are the spiritual predecessor of the current-day Type 986 (Boxster).