Type 718 RSK Spyder Replica

Description

The Porsche 718 RSK, introduced in 1958, was a purpose-built evolution of the legendary 550 Spyder—designed to dominate hill climbs and endurance racing. With its mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and aerodynamic bodywork, the RSK cemented Porsche’s reputation as a giant killer on the international motorsport stage. Many features of the 718 layout and aerodynamics formed a basis for the legendary Type 904. Today, original examples are exceedingly rare and command eye-watering, multimillion-dollar valuations.

This Type 718 RSK Spyder Replica offers a compelling tribute to the original celebrated Porsche model. Built over several years by John Zoltner of Buffalo, New York, it began with a fiberglass body and space frame chassis sourced from Vintage Auto Replica of Canada. The three-dimensional square-tube steel frame provides excellent rigidity, while the body—said to have been molded from an unknown original RSK—was stripped, contoured, and refinished in 2015 with Ford Bright Silver Metallic paint. The full aluminum floor pan and firewall add to the car’s race-inspired construction.

Power comes from a mid-mounted 2,165cc Volkswagen-based flat-four built by Pat Downs at CB Performance. Featuring dual 40 IDF carburetors, velocity stacks, billet “Spyder” air cleaners, extended oil sump, and cast aluminum Porsche valve covers. The engine is estimated to produce roughly 160 horsepower—more than enough to move the lightweight ~1,400 pound curb weight. A Rancho HD transaxle with highway gears and a Brandwood cable shifter delivers power to the rear wheels, while a silver ceramic-coated exhaust system exits through a megaphone tip with a racing insert cone, echoing the sound and style of Porsche’s hill climb heroes.

Inside, the cockpit is minimalist and purposeful and shielded by a Lexan windscreen framed in chrome Speedster trim. The odometer reads 1,382 miles, with approximately 300 miles added under current ownership. Located in Wichita, Kansas and registered as a 1968 Porsche two-door convertible, this RSK replica carries a clean Texas title and has reportedly passed inspections in New York, Kansas, and Texas.

Highlights 

• Powered by a 2,165cc Volkswagen Brazil-based flat-four built by Pat Downs at CB Performance 

• Rancho HD transaxle with highway gears and Brandwood cable shifter 

• Finished in Ford Bright Silver Metallic over red leather seats, vinyl door cards, and vinyl headrest 

• Vintage Auto Replica fiberglass body on square-tube steel space frame 

• Estimated curb weight just over 1,400 lbs 

• Clean Texas title (registered as a 1968 Porsche convertible) 

Features 

• 15x5.5" EMPI GT-8 cast aluminum wheels with Kumho Ecsta Supra tires 

• Road lighting includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard, and reverse 

• Silver ceramic-coated exhaust with megaphone tip and racing insert 

• Dual trailing arm rear suspension with coilover adjustable shocks 

• Volkswagen-based disc brakes up front and rear drums

• Billet “Spyder” air cleaners and Porsche valve covers 

• Dual 40 IDF carburetors with matched intake ports 

• Lexan windshield with chrome Speedster frame 

• Weight-balanced and aligned for a 190 lb driver 

• Aluminum floor pan and firewall 

• Retro VDO instrumentation 

Known Imperfections 

• Lexan windshield has edge cracks (mostly hidden by trim) 

• Horn inoperable 

Included 

• Porsche Identification plate affixed to rear frame 

• Documented build history 

• Clean Texas title 

Ownership History 

The seller notes this vehicle was originally constructed by John Zoltner in Buffalo, New York. This RSK replica was part of a private Porsche collection in Rockport, Texas. The second owner acquired the car in 2010 with 1,080 miles and has added approximately 300 miles since. This vehicle is located in Wichita, Kansas, and is titled as a “1968 Porsche 2 door convertible” with a Porsche Identification plate attached to the rear frame numbered 12805045.

The seller shares, "I am no stranger to Porsche. As a young man I was fortunate to own many iconic early Porsches. I began SCCA racing with a Porsche Speedster and quickly graduated to a much faster, professionally prepared ‘62 twin-grill Roadster and finally to my ultimate experience with a Type 904 factory hill climb car.

Much later, when I saw this Type 718 RSK prototype replica for sale, I sought to renew my early-life joy of owning such a significant 'Porsche' at a price I could afford.

This replica exceeded my expectations in every way. The paint and bodywork are now excellent, the mechanics are very good. It is authentic in its '60’s looks and sounds. It is great fun to drive! I hope the third owner will enjoy it even more than I have!"