1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder
1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder
Brand
Porsche
Year
1960
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 718
1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder
Brand
Porsche
Year
1960
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 718
About this car
Discover the history
The 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder represented a remarkable achievement in motorsports engineering and marked a high point for Porsche’s lightweight, agile racing philosophy. Building on the Porsche 550 and 718 RSK, the RS 60 Spyder featured enhancements aimed at challenging larger competitors like Ferrari in endurance racing. With its air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine positioned midship, the RS 60 achieved an impressive balance of power and maneuverability. This powertrain, combined with Porsche’s tuning finesse, allowed the RS 60 to reach outputs of around 170 horsepower, substantial for its light 1,280-pound frame. This configuration made the RS 60 not only fast but remarkably nimble, which was essential on challenging circuits like the Targa Florio, where handling and durability were just as important as outright speed.
The RS 60 debuted at a time when Porsche needed a model that could compete directly with the V12-powered Ferraris in endurance racing. Its expanded wheelbase over previous models offered improved stability, while innovations in its wishbone suspension improved handling, particularly through rough and winding roads. Modifications, including a lowered windscreen for aerodynamics and a chassis designed to accommodate larger wheels, gave the RS 60 an edge in traction and control. These technical refinements were not only tailored for improved road handling but also to meet new FIA regulations for sportscar racing, which often dictated design choices that would balance speed with safety and control.
The RS 60’s racing pedigree is extensive and impressive. One of its most celebrated achievements came at the 1960 Targa Florio, where it secured an overall victory, solidifying its status as a “giant killer” in endurance racing. Driven by top racers such as Jo Bonnier and Hans Herrmann, the RS 60 won not only the Targa Florio but also achieved success at the Sebring 12 Hours, where it took the top spot that same year, showcasing Porsche’s dominance in endurance competitions. The RS 60’s agility allowed it to navigate the tight and twisting roads of circuits like the Nürburgring, where it secured podium finishes that underscored its versatility across varied racing conditions. Its performance in these demanding races proved Porsche’s engineering and racing strategies against larger, more powerful opponents, keeping it competitive in the World Sportscar Championship standings.
In addition to its victories, the RS 60 continued to evolve, paving the way for further developments in Porsche’s race cars. It was succeeded by models like the RS 61 and the W-RS, which retained the core philosophy of lightweight construction, precision handling, and efficiency over brute power. As a testament to its legacy, the RS 60’s influence can be seen in Porsche’s commitment to designing cars that maximize every aspect of performance. This car helped solidify Porsche’s reputation in motorsport and remains celebrated for the way it redefined lightweight racing in a competitive landscape dominated by larger, more powerful machines.
The 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder’s engineering, race wins, and enduring legacy illustrate Porsche’s role in shifting the balance of racing success toward innovation and finesse rather than sheer power. The RS 60 remains a milestone in Porsche’s history and an enduring symbol of how meticulous engineering can achieve remarkable results in the world of motorsport.
