The Porsche 718 RSK/550: A High-Performance Masterpiece

Mar 18, 2023 | The Porsche Chronicles

The Porsche RSK 550 is a classic sports car that is beloved by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Manufactured in the late 1950s, this car was designed with one thing in mind: speed. With its sleek, aerodynamic body and powerful engine, the Porsche RSK 550 quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack.

The Porsche RSK 550 was designed and built in Germany by Porsche AG, with the help of chief designer Ernst Fuhrmann. Its unique visual features included a low-slung body, a distinctive front grille, and a rear engine layout that provided optimal weight distribution and improved handling.

Under the hood, the Porsche RSK 550 was equipped with a flat-four engine that produced around 150 horsepower. This may not sound like much by today’s standards, but at the time, it was an impressive feat of engineering. The car’s lightweight construction also helped to enhance its performance capabilities, allowing it to reach top speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.

During the design and manufacturing process, Porsche faced several challenges, including issues with weight distribution and engine performance. However, they were able to solve these problems by implementing a rear-engine layout and upgrading the engine’s power output, resulting in a car that was more balanced and agile than ever before.

The Porsche RSK 550 made its debut in 1957 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The Porsche RSK 550 made its debut in 1957 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. Despite being a relative newcomer to the racing world, the car made a big impression on fans and the press alike, with many praising its impressive speed and handling. Over the years, the Porsche RSK 550 went on to win numerous races and cement its status as a true classic in the world of sports cars.

At the time of its release, the Porsche RSK 550 cost around $7,500, which was a considerable sum of money back then. Today, it is considered a classic and is highly sought after by collectors around the world. Its top competitors during its heyday included the Ferrari Testa Rossa, the Maserati 300S, and the Aston Martin DBR1.