<< Prev Page 3 of 3 For 1960 the rules for sports cars were modified, dictating a considerably wider cockpit and taller windshield. Reluctantly, Porsche adopted the RSK to the new regulations. The frame was widened and the wheelbase slightly lengthened. The rear suspension was modified once more and the swing axles were now gone completely, replaced by a more modern double wishbone layout. For the first time the 1.6 litre engine was also offered to customers, producing 160 bhp compared to the 150 of the Type 547/3. The new machine was known as the RS 60 Spyder and the subsequent 1961 cars were dubbed RS 61 Spyder, although they were identical. Porsche also developed a coupe version and a similar, but open car known as the W-RS. These cars had even larger two-litre engines and eventually fitted with an eight cylinder engine the W-RS was raced successfully well into 1964.
Despite being based on a car that debuted in 1956, the RS 60 Spyder again proved to be a giant slayer. The international racing debut came at the 1960 Sebring 12 Hours. Reminiscant of the 550A's early performance, the RS 60 took an amazing one-two victory in the 12 Hour event. Next up was a win at the Targa Florio and Porsche looked well on their way to winning the World Championship against the three-litre engined Ferraris. A second and fourth at the 'Ring must have felt like a disappointment. Le Mans certainly was disappointing with the highest placed RS 60 finished twelfth and second in class. Porsche and Ferrari had both scored 22 points, but Ferrari was awarded the title on the grounds that they had finished third more often than Porsche. In 1961, the Porsches had to make do with class wins as the Works concentrated on the Grand Prix program.
Although in heavily modified form, the first Porsche spaceframe chassis was raced successful for almost ten years, taking a Targa Florio win as late as 1963. These nimble racing cars lifted Porsche up from a class victory contender to a serious rival to racing greats. They were certainly instrumental in the company's long path to the much desired Le Mans win and all cars designed in the 1960s incorporated the lessons learned in the many years the 550A, RSK and RS Spyders were raced. << Prev Page 3 of 3
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For 1960 the rules for sports cars were modified, dictating a considerably wider cockpit and taller windshield. Reluctantly, Porsche adopted the RSK to the new regulations. The frame was widened and the wheelbase slightly lengthened. The rear suspension was modified once more and the swing axles were now gone completely, replaced by a more modern double wishbone layout. For the first time the 1.6 litre engine was also offered to customers, producing 160 bhp compared to the 150 of the Type 547/3. The new machine was known as the RS 60 Spyder and the subsequent 1961 cars were dubbed RS 61 Spyder, although they were identical. Porsche also developed a coupe version and a similar, but open car known as the W-RS. These cars had even larger two-litre engines and eventually fitted with an eight cylinder engine the W-RS was raced successfully well into 1964.