In 1957 the Porsche 718 repeated the successes of its predecessor; the Porsche 550.

Since the development of the 550 no track success could be surpassed. The 718 was developed in numerous Spyder type variations from the RSK until RS64 also this car was developed as a one-seat racer for the F1 and F2 formulas and continued its development privately until the introduction of the 904 in 1964.

From 1957 through 1962 the external changes were hard to distinguish, however the improvements were under the bodywork.

The motors and the brake linings were more efficient and above all, the car was easier to drive than the Porsche 550. The first motors achieved 142 HP at 7700 RPMs, the power was increased further up to the year 1961, so that in the last Porsche 718 the engine developed 165 HP at 8000 RPMs. This was possible in particular through the enlargement of the engine capacity from 1.5 liters to 1.6 liters.

The 24-Hour Race of Le Mans in 1958 proved to be a sensational return of Porsche to the finals, with the 718 RSKs placing sensationally 3 and 4. Jean Behra/Hansman in the 1600er for the two-liter-class as well as Edgar Barth/Paul Frère in the 1500 class. The Porsche 550A of Count de Beaufort/Herbert Linge supplemented the triumph. The small Porsches were not successful again until 1966. In the year 1960, Porsche succeeded with Hans Herrmann/Olivier Gendebien for the first time to achieve a total-victory in the 12-Hour-Race at Sebring with a second important sprint to the sport car-world-championship.

The 718 RS-Versions were victorious at the Targa Florio races in 1959, 1960 and 1963. With the Spyder, Porsche won the mountain races from 1958 to 1961 almost continuously against the Borgward with its modern four-valve-motors.

Porsche 356 - Made by Hand - documentary,
Introduction by Dr. Ferry Porsche

50 Years of Porsche 1948 - 1998,
The first 50 years of Porsche

Porsche 718 RSK Owners Manual in English