<< Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >> Ferdinand Porsche had learned a valuable lesson and was determined to return in 1910 with the most competitive car allowed by the regulations. The steel ladder chassis of the 1909 car was carried over with minor tweaks; it was slightly narrower and featured a revised front axle. Brakes were still on the rear wheels only and were operated by two independent pedals to aid steering. The four speed gearbox with chain drive was also sourced from the 1909 design.
What was completely new, however, was the four cylinder engine. Compared to the 1909 it featured a reduced bore (115 mm vs 105 mm) to reduce its handicap. Thanks to a very long stroke (165 mm), the displacement of the competition engine was still formidable at 5.7 litre. The four separately cast cylinders featured a sophisticated head with a shaft-driven, single overhead camshaft. The bespoke engine produced a hefty 95 bhp; one of the highest specific outputs of the time.
Efficiency had been the key word in the development of the engine and Porsche applied the same focus on the design of the body. The result was a 'tulip' shape that was as narrow as possible at the bottom, while still wide enough at the top to comply with the passenger compartment regulations. Porsche also fitted the car with a curved radiator and used the smallest headlights possible, all in an attempt to further reduce the drag.
As in 1909, Austro-Daimler fielded three works cars but this time they were backed up by no fewer than seven privately entered examples. Porsche was once again found behind the wheel, joined by his wife and chauffeur as passengers. The four-day event turned out to be a resounding success with Porsche taking the outright victory himself ahead of Fischer and Count Heinrich Schonfeld, who piloted the third works car. << Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >>
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22/86 'Prinz Heinrich'
Ferdinand Porsche had learned a valuable lesson and was determined to return in 1910 with the most competitive car allowed by the regulations. The steel ladder chassis of the 1909 car was carried over with minor tweaks; it was slightly narrower and featured a revised front axle. Brakes were still on the rear wheels only and were operated by two independent pedals to aid steering. The four speed gearbox with chain drive was also sourced from the 1909 design.