Porsche
718 RS 60 / RS 61 Spyder

Why it matters

The RS 60 and RS 61 are the last evolution of Porsche's four-cam Spyder line, still officially Type 718 but with a longer wheelbase, wider cockpit and independent wishbone rear suspension, built to meet tightening FIA rules. Porsche says the RS 60 became the benchmark in the 1.6-litre class, with overall wins at the Targa Florio and the Sebring 12 Hours in 1960 and the European Hill Climb Championship in 1960 and 1961. RM Sotheby's calls the RS 60 the first Porsche able to threaten larger-displacement classes and the final form of the aluminium Spyders.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The RS 60 was introduced in January 1960 and the RS 61 first appeared in October 1960; the RS 61 was used mainly by customer teams and has a new rear axle with triangular control arms. RM Sotheby's says eighteen RS 60s were built, fourteen for privateers (chassis 718-051 onwards) and four works cars (718-041 to 718-044), whose features included separate left and right front torsion bars. Works car 718-044 raced at Le Mans in 1960 and, in Camoradi colours, led the 1961 Targa Florio with Stirling Moss and Graham Hill until the differential failed eight kilometres from the finish.

Customer cars were popular in the United States; chassis 718-060 was completed on 8 June 1960 and sold new to a Milwaukee dealer, and RS 61 chassis 718-066 took 7th overall at the 1961 Sebring 12 Hours.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Customer RS 60 chassis are numbered from 718-051, while the four works cars carry 718-041 to 718-044. Works cars differ from customer cars in separate left and right front torsion bars, integrated driving lamps and a flat-black dashboard with an exposed fuse box. Compared with the RSK the RS 60 has a wheelbase four inches longer, a wider cockpit, a framed windscreen and a luggage platform required by the FIA, and bodies by Karosserie Wendler. The RS 61 shares the layout, uses a new rear axle with triangular control arms, and was offered in nearly identical form to privateers.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Time travel: The Porsche 718 Level A Porsche Newsroom · 2016-06-04

   • 718 RS 60 (19 cars made)

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Porsche Club GB – RS 60 @ 60 Level B

   • 18 RS 60 Spyders only (1960; 14 to privateers, 4 works). The RS 61 adds a further 14 ('One of just fourteen RS 61s ever constructed', RM Sotheby's az14 lot r148) – combined about 32, but no single page states the total

   Accessed 2026-11-12
3. 3
   1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder by Wendler, chassis 718-060 (lot r0144) Level C RM Sotheby's

   • Type 547/3 four-cam competition engine
   • independent wishbone rear suspension
   • Wendler-built aluminum bodywork

   Accessed 2026-11-12
4. 4
   1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Werks, chassis 718-044 (lot r0171) Level C RM Sotheby's

   • 2-liter type 587 engine

   Accessed 2026-11-12
5. 5
   1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder Specifications Level B Ultimatecarpage.com

   • Mid, longitudinally mounted; aluminium block and head
   • 85.0 mm (3.3 in) / 66.0 mm
   • 85.0 mm (3.3 in) / 66.0 mm (2.6 in)
   • Compression 9.5:1
   • 2 valves / cylinder, DOHC
   • 2 Weber 46 IDM Carburettors
   • 150 bhp / 112 kW @ 7,800 rpm
   • Drive Rear wheel drive
   • twin parallel arms, torsion bars, telescopic shock absorbers
   • drums, all-round
   • Steering worm and nut
   • 1,290 mm / 1,250 mm
   • 580 kilo / 1,279 lbs

   Accessed 2026-11-12
6. 6
   1961 Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder, chassis 718-066 (lot r148) Level C RM Sotheby's

   • 1,600 cc flat four-cylinder engine
   • 178 bhp, 1,600 cc flat four-cylinder engine
   • five-speed manual transmission
   • tubular space frame that was similar to the 1959 RSK
   • Wheelbase: 86.6 in.

   Accessed 2026-11-12