1957 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder
In 1957, at the Nurburgring circuit, in the middle of the racing season, a well-kept secret concerning the 718 RSK was aired. Compared to its predecessor it now had a lowered body with rear fin. The 550 A Spyder car with its 1,489 cc engine developed 142 hp at 7,500 rpm. It sold in the region of 30 models. After several outstanding results in the major long-distance races of the season the 718 model came in runner up in the 1958 World Championship’s sports car category.
The successor to the 550 A Spyder is improved in many respects. A space frame of seamless steel tubing provides high rigidity at a very low weight; the suspension and the drum brakes have undergone optimisation. The aerodynamics have been refined – for Le Mans the co-driver’s side is covered with an aluminium sheet.
Car No. 29 is powered bya Fuhrmann engine that was enlarged to 1,587 cc, the other three RSK feature the 1,498 cc unit planted in front of the rear axle. Jean Behra and Hans Herrmann clinch a sensational third place overall – the first overall podium result for Porsche KG right in time for the 10th anniversary of the young sports car manufacturer.
Edgar Barth and Paul Frère win the 1.5-litre class with their No. 31 RSK and finish fourth overall.
Story by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Pictures
Specs & Performance
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | Germany |
| price $ | $ 8,000 |
| predecessor | 1956 Porsche 550A RS Spyder |
| succeccesor | 1960 Porsche 718 RS60 Spyder |
| engine | Type 47/3 Air-Cooled Flat-4 |
| valvetrain | Quad Cam |
| fuel feed | Weber 46 ID-1 Carburetors |
| displacement | 1587 cc / 96.8 in³ |
| compression | 9.8:1 |
| power | 105.9 kw / 142 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| specific output | 89.48 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 267.92 bhp per tonne |
| driven wheels | Rear Engine |
| r suspension | Transverse Torsion Bars, Trailing Arms |
| curb weight | 530 kg / 1169 lbs |
| length | 3600 mm / 141.7 in |
| top speed | ~260 kph / 161.46 mph |
Auction Sales History
1959 Porsche 718 RSK 718-023. One of Only 35 Porsche 718 RSKs Built. Widely Considered to Be the Most Beautiful Spyder Model. Period Racing History at Courtland, Cuba, Nassau, and Riverside. Matching-Numbers, Original-Bodied Example. Outstanding History with Impressive Provenance. Exceptional Show-Quality Restoration. Documented by Noted Porsche Historian Jürgen Barth. Eligible for Premier Historic Races, Driving Events, and Concours. One of the Most Correct and Original RSKs in Existence. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1959 Porsche 718 RSK 718-023. One of Only 35 Porsche 718 RSKs Built. Widely Considered to be the Most Beautiful Spyder Model. Period Racing History at Courtland, Cuba, Nassau, and Riverside. Matching-Numbers, Original-Bodied Example. Outstanding History with Impressive Provenance. Exceptional Show-Quality Restoration. Documented by Noted Porsche Historian Jürgen Barth. Eligible for Premier Historic Races, Driving Events, and Concours. One of the Most Correct and Original RSKs in Existence. Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
