1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder, guide price unknown
What makes this Spyder stand out is its centre-seat layout, of which only around six were made out of 35 718 RSKs. Without the centre steering, the 718 RSK would be merely the ultimate development of the Spyder, a proven race winner that just got better and better with each new version. With the centre seat, it is all of that plus incredibly rare… and hugely valuable. The centre seat layout meant the RSK could be adapted to form the basis of Porsche’s grand prix-winning Formula 2 single seater.
The car in the sale, with coachwork by Wendler, was delivered new to a Belgian owner whose first race in it was the 1959 Leopardville Grand Prix in the Belgian Congo where the Spyder’s giant-killing form was quickly realised. The 1,587cc four-cylinder car put its 150bhp at 7,2000rpm to great use by taking overall victory ahead of cars that included Ferrari, Aston Martin and Jaguar.
Other notable victories in its early years included the 1,000KM Buenos Aires while today it has an impressive record in historic racing, taking part in more than 100 race meetings as well as all five Porsche Rennsport reunions. It is also a concours class winner.
Desplte being lost in the years between Europe and turning up in the US, the Spyder retains its original four-cam Typ 547/3 engine, transaxle and Wendler bodywork.
Bonhams isn’t saying what it might fetch, but for a guide take note of what it was exchanged for back in 1993: a BMW 507 and a pair of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs, a Roadster and a Gullwing!