Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Porsche 718 RSK Center Seat
s/n 718-030
Silver with Beige Interior

Reasonable offers considered.

Developed from the famous 550 Spyder, the 718 RSK was Porsche`s considerably refined effort to pursue both sports car racing and Formula 2. This end was achieved with a unique ability to configure the car as either left hand drive or center steering, with the conversion possible in just hours. The remainder of the car was a development of the previous cars, with considerable modification to both front and rear suspensions, including the adoption of revised torsion bars bearing a K shape, and thus adding the K of the RSK designation. The frontal area and cowl height were reduced considerably, and the Ernst Fuhrmann`s Type 547 four cam engine developed further. The cars were quite successful, consistently holding their own against the larger Ferraris and Jaguars, and generally dominating their 1500cc class. Victories including Targa Florio and Sebring, further cementing the young company`s reputation (then just ten years old) as building robust and rapid `giant-killers`.

This particular car is one of just six RSK Formula 2 center seat cars. It was originally sold to French driver and privateer (who also drove for Ferrari), Jean Behra.

The car has extensive and well-documented history, which includes the following exploits:
July 6th 1959, Reims Formula II Colin Davis, 9th overall.
July 13th, 1959, Rouen Formula II race Gerard Laureau 9th place finish.
July 26th 1959, Tropees d`Auvergne Sport, race number 26. Jean Behra, 2nd overall.
August 9th, 1959, Karlskoga Kanonloppet, Jean Behra, in entry list only .
May 15, 1960 GP Napoli, Number 112, 2nd overall, 1st in class.
May 29, 1960 GP Spa, Gaetano Starrabba, 10th overall
June, 19th 1960, Circuito di Caserta, Gaetano Starrabba, 2nd overall, 1st in Class.
April 30th, 1961, Targa Florio, Gaetano Starrabba, Gaspare Cavaliere, Number 118, DNS 64th
June 21st 1962, GP Campagnolo, Gaspare Cavaliere, 2nd overall.
May 5th,1963, Targa Florio, Number 188, Gaspare Cavaliere, Vincenzo Riolo, 10th overall.
June 23rd, 1963, Vallelunga, Gaspare Cavaliere, 4th overall

On August 1st 1959, Behra was given a different factory prepared RSK (718-016), borrowed from Prince Gaetano Starrabba for the support race at Avus. Sadly, he lost control in the wet conditions and suffered a fatal accident. After this, Prince Starrabba was given this car (718-030) as compensation for his lost RSK and proceeded to race the car at the Grand Prix de Spa at Fancorchamps, Caserta, and the 1961 Targa Florio (listed as a participant only).

After its racing career, this car was subsequently acquired by Miles Collier, and restored in 1981. It was then displayed in the Collier Automotive museum from 1981 to 1999. Since then, the engine has been rebuilt, and the car was repainted in 2007. The car was then shown at Amelia Island, where it was featured in the Targa Florio circle.

Consequently, the car is in outstanding condition. The paint is excellent and shows almost no wear at all. The panels fit well, and tires are period Dunlop racing items. The small amount of trim, glass, and brightwork is in very good condition, with some cracking to the rubber tail light gaskets, and small areas of crazing to the Plexiglas windscreen.

The interior is in excellent condition. There are few signs of wear anywhere, from the chassis components and floor panels, to the seat, dashboard, instruments, and steering wheel. A cut-off switch has been tastefully installed within reach of the driver when belted in. Naturally, everything is very correct, and there is a high level of detailing and craftsmanship throughout. Particularly interesting is the various attachment points for the seat, shifter, and pedals to allow conversion back of LHD format. A LHD fairing is also included with the car.

The engine compartment is in nice restored condition. It has not been over-restored, and the distinctive fan shroud of the 4-cam engine makes it a very evocative view. Considerable attention has been paid to ensure that the car retains an original feel. The front compartment is similar, and the small sprint or hill climb tank is still in place, as would have been supplied by the coachbuilder, Wendler, rather than having the larger `Le Mans` tank fitted to most RSKs by Porsche. The underside is mostly covered in the interest of aerodynamics, and the suspension components are very nice, likely from the 1981 restoration. With this car also comes with a the left hand drive fairing headrest.

This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of this important car. Coming from the heyday of Porsche`s racing, this car enjoys interesting history, impeccable provenance, and outstanding condition. It is eligible for some of the world�s most prestigious events and shows, and is sure to draw a crowd and please both its owner and crowds alike.

Reasonable offers considered.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608