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1957-1962 Porsche Formel 1/2
Model 718/804, flat four cylinder, displacement (bore * stroke), 1.498 cm3 (85,0/66,0 mm * 66,0/54,6 mm), compression ratio, 9,8/10,0 : 1, overhead camshafts, V-shaped hanging valves,
blower cooling, 2 twin carburetors, dry sump-lubrication, Oil cooler front, torque, 146/153 Nm at 6.300/7.200 rpm, 77/132 kW (150/180 HP) at 7.800/9.200 rpm, rear engine, rear drive,
limited slip differential, manual six-speed, synchronized, wheelbase 2.100/2300 mm, tubular frame, front suspension: Crank handle/double wishbone, torsion/helical rod springs, telescopic damper, suspension
rear: double wishbone, coil springs, telescopic damper, drum brakes f/r, Spindle steering, wheels, f/r 5.50 - 15/6.00/6.50 - 15, length 3.700/3.600 mm, tank capacity 100 liters, 250/- km/h, kerb weight 417/455
kg,1957-1960/1961-1962
Two models that, upon closer inspection, are actually quite different, not least in terms of the success each achieved. The 718 RSK, later known as the 718 RS, was introduced around 1957. Actually, Porsche
should have had experience building monopostos.
After all, the very first car built after the war was likely the one built by Cisitella for Piero Dusio in 1949, which featured Porsche technology, also had a 1.5-liter engine, and was turbocharged. So this time,
it was a car designed for the 1.5-liter Formula 2 series, which has just been launched.
As mentioned earlier, the 718 was very successful right from its first race at the Nürburgring in late 1957. However, it wasn't until 1959 that the team officially competed in Formula 2. The car has undergone
further technical improvements, and it has remained that way.
It wasn't until the fourth race at Aintree that Porsche secured its first victory of the season. With 12 points, the team finished in third place in the manufacturers' standings in 1959. 1960 went even better,
as they ended up in first place alongside Cooper, each with 26 points.
It's too complicated to explain here, but thanks to the adoption of new regulations, Porsche suddenly found itself in Formula 1 in 1961 without having to make many changes to the car. It seems that,
with the same displacement, only the permitted number of cylinders has been increased.
This is how the eight-cylinder Type 753 was created, with a 1.5-liter displacement, of course. The performance mentioned above was considered to be still slightly understated. The wheelbase was lengthened,
presumably because of the two additional cylinders, and the car no longer had torsion bar springs (though they were reintroduced later).
And although the 718 was later equipped with disc brakes, the first 804 prototype still used drum brakes. When comparing the vehicles, you should pay close attention to the headroom behind the driver.
Here, the old model was still carrying the four-cylinder engine's blower housing. Even the Fuhrmann engine didn't change much in that regard. Compared to the Beetle, for example, the 718 was missing only
the oil cooler. In the 804, it was also located at the front, behind a corresponding opening.
The horizontal fan made it possible to design a much lower and, overall, more harmonious body. It wasn't made of aluminum either, but of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Actually, the car seemed like it could be
at least as successful as the 718.
No, it wasn't like that. It was unavailable throughout the entire 1961 season. At the same time, the 'old' 718 could not hold its own against the competition, despite the fact that, for instance, by switching to indirect
and later direct gasoline injection, more power had arguably been extracted from it.
To make matters worse, there was also an accident during the debut of the new 804. At least Dan Gurney managed to secure the 804's first victory in France. However, in the race at the Nürburgring, which was
so important for Porsche, he finished only third.
Porsche gave up this part of motorsports; after all, it had enough on its plate elsewhere. A wise decision, as the battle between the highly successful British team and Ferrari continued to rage, with the latter
even opting for a 1.5-liter engine spread across 12 cylinders starting in 1964.
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