Porsche 910

One of very few

We’ll just continue counting here, as we are well aware that the 910 is not the successor to the 908. As with the 911 (964, 993, 996, 997, 991, 992), Porsche’s numbering system for racing cars is also somewhat confusing. In chronological order, it would be: 550, 718, 904, 906, 910, 907 and 908. The 910 is therefore the direct successor to the 906. It was built between 1966 and 1968 and was supplemented by the 907 from 1967 onwards. With the 906, Porsche had brought an absolutely capable vehicle to the racetrack. However, with the exception of the Targa Florio, it was not enough for more than class victories, especially in the big races. Yet Stuttgart had long been keen to compete in the endurance classics. And that is precisely why the development of the Porsche 910 is somewhat surprising, as it was based on the 906 – and initially was ‘only’ equipped with a two-litre six-cylinder engine (Type 901) that produced around 220 hp. Just to remind you: in 1967, Ford competed at Le Mans with a 7-litre V8, Ferrari with a 4-litre V12. That year, the Porsche 910 with Stommelen/Neerpasch finished 6th at La Sarthe, 37 laps behind the winners Gurney/Foyt in their Ford GT40.

But the Porsche 910 was a fine car. The chassis was completely new compared to the 906, with independent suspension with longitudinal struts all round and wishbones at the front. Transverse and continuously adjustable stabilisers ensured better road holding, and there were also progressive coil springs and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Unlike the 906, the 910 was not homologated as a road vehicle. After it became apparent that the six-cylinder 910 was simply not fast enough, the Porsche 910 was fitted with a 2.2-litre eight-cylinder engine (type 771) with a Bosch fuel injection system and dual ignition, which delivered 270 hp, starting with the 1967 Targa Florio. Another new feature was dry sump lubrication. This was enough for another victory at the Targa Florio, and the 1000 kilometres at the Nürburgring were also won for the first time, but Ferrari was once again ahead in the Sports Car World Championship. At least Gerhard Mitter was able to distinguish himself in a special Porsche 910/8 ‘Bergspyder’ in the 1967 and 1968 European Hill Climb Championships. A total of 35 units were produced between 1966 and 1968.

The vehicle shown here has the chassis number 910-022 and was used by Porsche mainly for testing purposes. The Porsche was later sold to an American, who also used it in major races until 1973, most recently in the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona. 910-022 was auctioned on Bring A Trailer in 2023 for $2.5 million. We have more exciting vehicles in our archive.