1961 Porsche RS61 Spyder Sells For $1.705 Million
Based on the Porsche 718, the successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder, the RS60, 61 and W-RS were campaigned in a variety of racing series throughout the 1960s. In 1960, Porsche RS 60s won the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio and the European Hill Climb Championship.
The 1961 RS61 Spyder used a 1.6 liter Type 547/3 boxer motor, good for 160 horsepower. The car also featured a revised double wishbone rear suspensionto improve handling.
The Gooding & Company pre auction estimate for the car pictured was $1.2 to $1.5 million, but buyers clearly felt the car was worth more. By the time the hammer dropped, the RS61 Spyder had been bid up to $1.705 million.