The Targa Florio coursed through a Sicilian countryside whose landscape was medieval in some spots, ancient in others, and breathtakingly beautiful throughout. To survive ten laps of its mountains and punishing 44.64 mile circuit was an accomplishment for the 1960 Porsche RS-60 and to win the Targa was truly remarkable. The display car won the Targa in 1960 and Porsches won seven more during that decade, the remaining three were taken by Ferrari. Neither engine nor transmission was significantly changed in the RS-60. In addition to racing, 718-041 served the factory as Porsche’s guinea pig with various transmissions and the 2.0 liter Type 587 engine.
Overview
- Make and Model: 1960 Porsche RS-60
- Manufacturer: Porsche AG
- Production Year: 1960
Specifications
- Engine: 1.6-liter (1587 cc) four-cylinder, air-cooled, DOHC engine
- Power Output: Approximately 160 horsepower
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- Chassis: Tubular space frame, providing a lightweight yet rigid structure
- Weight: Around 570 kg (1,257 lbs), contributing to its agility and performance
Design and Features
- Body Style: Open two-seater sports car with a sleek, aerodynamic design
- Exterior: The RS-60 featured a low, streamlined profile with distinctive bodywork crafted from aluminum and fiberglass for lightweight and durability. It had a minimalistic and functional appearance, focused on reducing drag and enhancing speed.
- Interior: Spartan and purpose-built for racing, the interior had basic instrumentation and seating for two. The focus was on functionality and weight savings, with minimal comforts.
Historical Context
The RS-60 was developed as an evolution of the earlier 550 and 718 models, continuing Porsche's commitment to producing competitive racing cars. It was specifically designed to comply with the FIA's regulations for sports car racing, which included a larger engine capacity limit.
Noteworthy Aspects
- Racing Success: The Porsche RS-60 enjoyed significant success in motorsport, winning prestigious events such as the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio. Its victories solidified Porsche's reputation for engineering excellence and racing prowess.
- Engineering Innovations: The RS-60 incorporated several advanced features for its time, including the use of lightweight materials, a highly efficient power-to-weight ratio, and superior handling characteristics. Its tubular space frame was a key innovation, providing structural integrity while keeping weight to a minimum.
- Legacy: The RS-60 played a crucial role in establishing Porsche's legacy in endurance racing and sports car competitions. It set the stage for future models, contributing to the development of the iconic Porsche 904 and later racing cars.
Legacy
The 1960 Porsche RS-60 is celebrated as one of the most successful and influential racing cars in Porsche's history. Its combination of lightweight construction, powerful engine, and exceptional handling made it a formidable competitor on the track.
Collectibility
Today, the RS-60 is highly sought after by collectors and motorsport enthusiasts. Its rarity, historical significance, and racing pedigree contribute to its high value in the classic car market. Well-preserved examples and those with notable racing histories command premium prices at auctions.
Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
You may purchase a print of the 1960 Porsche RS-60 in our dElegance 2016 online gallery.
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