Porsche 910

The Porsche 910: The Precision Racer That Advanced Porsche’s Motorsports Legacy

The Porsche 910, produced between 1966 and 1967, played a pivotal role in Porsche’s relentless quest for motorsport dominance during the 1960s. Building upon the successes of the 906, the 910 refined Porsche’s mid-engine prototype formula and solidified the brand’s reputation for precision engineering, lightweight construction, and exceptional handling. Despite its short production run, the 910 achieved remarkable success, competing against some of the greatest race cars of its era in endurance races, hill climbs, and circuit events.

Origins and Development

The Porsche 910 was designed to address the limitations of the 906 Carrera 6 and provide a competitive edge against formidable rivals like Ferrari and Ford. Headed by Ferdinand Piëch, Porsche’s development team focused on refining aerodynamics, improving suspension geometry, and reducing weight. The 910 utilized a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with a sleek fiberglass body, continuing Porsche’s tradition of lightweight design.

One of the key innovations of the 910 was its use of 13-inch Formula 1-style wheels instead of the 15-inch wheels used on the 906. This change allowed for lower-profile tires, improving handling and reducing weight. The 910 was also more compact and aerodynamically efficient, with a low-slung, curvaceous body designed to minimize drag and enhance stability at high speeds.

The Porsche 910 was powered by a range of engines, including the 2.0-liter flat-six and the more powerful 2.2-liter flat-eight engine, producing between 200 and 270 horsepower. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 910’s mid-engine layout provided balanced weight distribution and exceptional cornering ability.

Racing Success

The Porsche 910 quickly proved itself on the international racing scene, achieving numerous victories in endurance and hill climb events. The car’s debut season in 1966 showcased its potential, but it was in 1967 that the 910 truly came into its own.

At the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 910 finished an impressive fifth overall and first in its class. This performance demonstrated the car’s reliability and efficiency in one of the most grueling endurance races in the world. The same year, the 910 achieved its most significant triumphs at the 1000 km of Nürburgring and the Targa Florio, two of the most challenging and prestigious races of the era.

The 1967 1000 km of Nürburgring saw Porsche dominate the competition, with the 910 securing a 1-2-3 finish. Drivers Udo Schütz and Joe Buzzetta piloted their 910 to victory, highlighting the car’s exceptional handling and durability on the demanding Nordschleife circuit. The 910’s ability to handle the twisting, undulating roads of the Targa Florio was equally impressive, with Umberto Maglioli and Udo Schütz taking the top spot.

In addition to circuit racing, the 910 excelled in European hill climb competitions, where its lightweight design and nimble handling gave it a significant advantage. These successes helped cement Porsche’s reputation as a manufacturer capable of building race cars that thrived in a wide range of motorsport disciplines.

Variants and Innovations

The Porsche 910 was produced in several configurations to suit different types of racing. The most common version featured the 2.0-liter flat-six engine, while a more powerful variant equipped with the 2.2-liter flat-eight engine was used for higher-speed tracks. The car’s low-profile wheels and advanced suspension allowed it to maintain excellent grip and stability, giving it a competitive edge against larger, more powerful rivals.

The 910 also experimented with different body styles, including closed-cockpit coupés for endurance racing and open-cockpit spyders for hill climbs and shorter events. These adaptations demonstrated the car’s versatility and Porsche’s willingness to innovate in pursuit of racing success.

Legacy of the Porsche 910

Though the Porsche 910 had a brief racing career, it left an indelible mark on motorsport history. It served as a bridge between the earlier 906 and the more advanced 907 and 908 prototypes, helping Porsche refine its approach to endurance racing. The lessons learned from the 910’s design and competition success laid the groundwork for the legendary 917, which would go on to dominate the early 1970s.

The 910’s achievements in races like the Nürburgring 1000 km, Targa Florio, and Le Mans solidified Porsche’s reputation for building reliable, agile, and efficient race cars. Its innovative design elements, such as the use of low-profile wheels and advanced aerodynamics, influenced the development of future Porsche race cars.

Today, the Porsche 910 is celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts for its beauty, engineering brilliance, and racing pedigree. It remains a symbol of Porsche’s relentless pursuit of excellence, embodying the spirit of innovation, precision, and performance that continues to define the brand’s motorsport legacy.