1959 Porsche 718 RSK

VIN: 718019

$2,860,000

Sold

Seller details

  • Auction

    Gooding & Company

  • Location

    Amelia Island, FL; US

  • Event date

    Mar 11, 2016

  • Lot

    48

Vehicle specs

  • Chassis/VIN

    718019

  • Body style

    Roadster

  • Transmission type

    Standard

  • Engine Type

    H4

  • Horsepower

    160

  • Induction

    2x2 bbl

  • Interior Color

    Beige

  • Exterior Color

    Silver

Vehicle details

Notes and observations recorded by Hagerty staff.

Equipment

1.6 liter 4-cam engine from an RS61, full width windscreen, driver's rollbar.

Condition

#1 Concours

World-class. Could compete in the world’s best Concours d'Elegance events.

About Hagerty’s condition ratingsClose

Customer-spec RSK raced initially and successfully by Harry Blanchard, then Roger Penske and Lake Underwood. Penske's 1960 SCCA F/Modified national championship ride. Severely burned in a 1970 fire while owned by John Beam, then bounced around as a project until it was restored for Tom Trabue with a new body and major parts from other racing Porsches. Still in better than new condition and immaculately turned out. Jerry Seinfeld collection.

Market commentary

This result is an interesting contrast with the 550 Spyder at the beginning of the Jerry Seinfeld segment. That car, with no racing history but original except for an old repaint, sold on a hammer bid near its low estimate and brought over $5 million with commission. This beautiful mid-engined RSK with a great U.S. racing history but restored from something approaching a cinder fell nearly a million dollars short of the low estimate even after adding on the buyer's premium. If nothing else the disparate results highlight the importance of an unblemished history and the severe burden imposed upon even the best restoration (or perhaps 'resurrection') from a jumble of parts. This RSK brought what it was worth and the new owner should be very pleased both with the car and with the price paid.

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