Porsche
718 W-RS Spyder

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 718 W-RS Spyder, chassis 718 047, was built in 1961 for the new eight-cylinder engine but made its debut at the 1961 Targa Florio with the proven four-cam four-cylinder. It served as a test and development car during four active years as a sports prototype, ran on most major circuits and travelled to California, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. In 1962 it also used the two-litre eight-cylinder with disc brakes.

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.

Chassis number 718 047.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Porsche 718 and 550 Spyder history, Porsche Newsroom Level A

   • 1 718 W-RS Spyders built (Porsche states only one was built; the lead's figure of 5 is not supported)

   Accessed 2026-11-12