This 718 RSK was produced on March 4, 1959 and was used to meet the homologation requirements set by the FIA requiring a passenger seat, turn signals, horn and spare tire. Employing a 1587 cc, 4-cam type 547/3 engine producing 145 horsepower, #018 was equipped for endurance with a second fuel tank placed inside the right pod. It was built to take the constant pounding generated on race tracks and hill climbs. It was priced at about $8,000. Thirty-seven RSK type 718s were built by the German fabricator Wendler for Porsche in 1958 and 1959. Emil Pardee of Palo Alto, CA was the first owner who raced it extensively on the west coast until the mid 1960s. It was then placed in storage for the next forty-five years.
In 2014 the 718 RSK was pulled from storage. Restoration was not easy as the years had taken their toll. It had been partially disassembled and parts were packed in boxes without regard for component identification. It is now restored to its original specifications.
#ameliaconcours
You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
The Vintage Automobile Blog Index
