Bonhams announced a 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder as lead car for the Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, 2020 classic car auction.
Bonhams announced a rare 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder car to headline its Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Auction on 31 May 2020 at Greenwich, Connecticut, USA. This 718 RSK was mostly raced in North America including by legendary driver Bob Holbert at numerous SCCA events. No price guidance has been issued yet.
1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder at Bonhams Greenwich 2020
A rare 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder, chassis 718-031, was announced as the lead car for the Bonhams Greenwich 2020 classic car auction. No presale estimate has been released yet.
As the evolutionary successor to the legendary Porsche 550A Spyder, the 718 RSK Spyder featured more power, enhanced bodywork, superior braking, and improved suspension. Purpose-built – RS stands for Rennsport (sport racing) and K reflects the shape of the torsion bar suspension – the 718 RSK was extremely successful as a model and won or placed at Le Mans, Sebring and Targa Florio, the latter of which was by far the most memorable when, in 1959, Porsche took a 1-2-3 sweep with the RSK in the lead.
Boasting the powerful mid-engine placement 1½-liter 4-cam motor, these lithe and quick Porsches were dubbed “giant killers” for their prowess against the much larger engined cars from Italy. With only 34 built, the 718 RSK is a rare Porsche. This rarity, combined with its success in competition, gorgeous looks, and renowned driveability, makes it a very desirable car among collectors.
The 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder, chassis no. 718-031, has a well-documented history and was extensively raced in period by legendary driver Bob Holbert at numerous SCCA and international events, including the 1959 Bahamas Speed Week. During its career, it was quite successful and regularly either won its class or won overall in the races in which it competed. Meticulously documented since purchase, it will be offered for new ownership for the first time in nearly half a century.
Porsche 718 RSK Spyders at Auction
With only 34 ever produced, the Porsche 718 RSK Spyders are rare cars. However, at least three were sold at public auction since 2014 – all by Gooding – and achieved $3,300,000 (Amelia Island 2014), $2,860,000 (Amelia Island 2016) and $3,740,000 (Pebble Beach 2018). The Porsche 550 models generally achieved more.
Bonhams Greenwich Sale 2020
Bonhams 13th annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Auction will be hosted on Sunday, 31 May 2020, at Greenwich, Connecticut’s waterfront park.
