Porsche's lightweight giant-killer
Giant killers come in all shapes and sizes, but none more elegant perhaps than the stunning 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder. This lightweight, quick German car earned its nickname in endurance road racing events in Europe and America where it went head-to-head with its bigger-engined Italian rivals, and beat them.
The 718 RSK won or was placed at Le Mans, Sebring and at the Targa Florio, (Porsche taking a 1-2-3 clean sweep at the latter in 1959 with the RSK in the lead.) An evolutionary successor to the legendary 550A Spyder, the purpose-built 718 RSK featured more power, enhanced bodywork, superior braking and improved suspension. Only 34 of these beautiful machines were built which makes this example very rare indeed.
This example, chassis no. 718-031, was ordered new by noted New Jersey motorsport enthusiast, Bernie Vihl and extensively campaigned by legendary driver Bob Holbert at numerous SCCA and international events, including the 1959 Bahamas Speed Week. It will be offered by Bonhams as part of their Quail Motorcar Auction on the 14th August. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below.
Photos © Courtesy of Bonhams