Porsche 718 RSK Mittellenker (1958)

Porsche 718 RSK Mittellenker – The “Center Seat” Spyder

In 1957 the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) changed their rules to allow cars with enveloping bodywork to compete in Formula races. That year Porsche entered three 550/1500RS Spyders in the German Grand Prix Formula Two (F2) event. Changes to the cars were minimal, being limited to removing the passenger seats and spare tires. For 1958 Porsche fielded a modified 718, called the RSK Mittellenker (centre-steer), for F2 events.

For the 1958 racing season, the Porsche 718 RSK Spyder was Porsche’s weapon for F1 and was also modified to compete in FIA Formula racing events. The passenger seat and the conventional two-seat layout now replaced with a single seat in the middle of the car, thus earning the Mittellenker moniker which stands for “center seat” in German.

The bodywork of Porsche 718 RSK Mittellenker was slightly modified to accommodate the changed seating layout. Porsche engineers relocated the steering wheel, pedals, and gear shifter to accommodate the change. A fairing was now enclosing much of the cockpit opening.

Jean Marie Behra drove the car to win at the F2 event at Reims, and Wilfried Edgar Barth placed sixth overall and second of his class at the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Masten Gregory drove a Porsche 718 RSK Mittellenker to win both the heat and first place in the F2 class at the Berlin Grand Prix.