Highlights
- John Maher Racing-built 1,914cc engine producing 133bhp at 6,500 rpm
- JMR blueprinted Berg five-speed close-ratio gearbox with Quaife ATB differential
- Significant investment in the drivetrain, with engine work alone reportedly running into five figures
- Accompanied by a history folder including invoices, build notes, and the construction manual
The Appeal
The Porsche 718 RSK Spyder is one of motorsport's most revered machines, purpose-built for competition and piloted by the likes of Sir Stirling Moss and Jean Behra. With only an estimated 34 examples ever produced and surviving cars commanding prices well into the millions, the 718 RSK remains tantalisingly out of reach for all but a fortunate few. GP Projects of Princes Risborough, originally known for preparing Lolas and Ford GT40s for competition, offered an ingenious solution: a fibreglass-bodied evocation designed to mount to a shortened Volkswagen Beetle chassis, bringing the Spyder's iconic silhouette within reach of enthusiastic owners.
Where this particular example distinguishes itself from the vast majority of such builds is in the seriousness of its mechanical specification. Rather than relying on standard Beetle running gear, this car has been engineered with genuine performance in mind. Its flat-four engine was built by John Maher Racing, one of the most respected names in air-cooled engine preparation, producing more than double the output of a conventional Beetle powerplant. That engine is mated to a blueprinted Berg five-speed close-ratio gearbox, a Quaife ATB differential, and a Kennedy high-pressure clutch, while cooling is managed by a 13-row Mocal oil cooler assisted by twin Kenlowe eight-inch electric fans.
The car is accompanied by a well-curated history folder containing detailed invoices, build notes, wiring diagrams, and correspondence, providing a clear record of the car's development and ongoing care. For anyone seeking a Spyder evocation that goes far beyond the cosmetic, this is a thoroughly well-sorted example.
History and Paperwork
- 1968 GP Projects 718 RSK Spyder evocation, right-hand drive
- Registration CXZ 1960
- 12,772 miles showing on the odometer
- History folder including detailed invoices, build notes, the construction manual, wiring diagrams, and email correspondence
- Last MOT tested in May 2022 at 10,836 miles, first-time pass with no advisories
The Condition
- Finished in silver, 15-inch wheels
- Three-spoke wood-trimmed steering wheel
- Black and red interior
- Racing bucket seats with Luke safety harnesses
- Fire extinguisher fitted
- The vendor describes the build as meticulously constructed, with serious attention paid to both performance and cooling
- Prospective buyers are encouraged to study the accompanying photographs closely and to arrange a viewing
The Mechanics
- 1,914cc air-cooled flat-four engine, built by John Maher Racing, producing 133bhp at 6,500 rpm
- Manual five-speed Berg close-ratio gearbox, blueprinted by John Maher Racing
- Quaife ATB differential
- Kennedy high-pressure clutch
- 044 CB Magnum cylinder heads, polished and ported with three-angle valve seats
- Gene Berg stainless steel valves with Engle dual valve springs
- 1-1.25 ratio rockers
- Engle 125 camshaft
- Counterweighted crankshaft
- Lightened eight-dowelled flywheel
- Scat 1.5-litre deep sump
- Mocal 13-row oil cooler with twin Kenlowe eight-inch electric cooling fans
- Dellorto DRLA 40 twin-choke carburettors and manifolds
- Tube Torque stainless steel exhaust system, 4 into 2 into 1
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