1961 Porsche RS61 Could Fetch $5 Million at Auction

Multi-Million Dollar Racer

These days, it almost seems like we're presented with a super-rare, ultra-valuable Porsche race car headed to various collector car auctions on a regular basis, which isn't terribly surprising given the soaring values of those types of vehicles - not to mention collector interest. The latest example of this phenomenon, however, is something truly special - this 1961 Porsche RS61 racer, which could fetch upwards of $5 million when it crosses the block at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in March.

Photos: Gooding & Company

Refined Racer

Many are familiar with the RS60, an aluminum-bodied Spyder that was perhaps the ultimate evolution of racing machines that started with the iconic 550 in 1953. The RS60 came along in 1960 as a more refined machine with a bigger cockpit, larger wheels and brakes, a longer wheelbase, and a revised suspension, which made it a superior machine in the turns compared to its predecessors. 

Photos: Gooding & Company

Rare Bird

After building 18 RS60s that year, Porsche followed by churning out 14 RS61s a year later, which were identical to their predecessors yet also marked the end of the line for the iconic four-cam Spyders. This particular example is chassis 718-076, and was delivered new to Austrian racing driver Hermann Müller, who proceeded to use it in various circuit races and hill climb events. 

Photos: Gooding & Company

Winning Ways

After securing a win in a FIA World Sportscar Championship race, this RS61 went on to dominate the 1964 South African Sports Car Championship, but the next year, it moved on to a new owner, though it continued its winning ways, racking up numerous victories and top 10 finishes in various events around the globe. After changing hands a few times, the Porsche racer eventually made its way to the U.S. in the late '70s before receiving a restoration in 1987.

Photos: Gooding & Company

Keep Racing

Amazingly, this rare and quite valuable RS61 has continued to see use at various vintage racing events, participating in the Le Mans Classic, various Rennsport Reunions, and at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, yet all the while, it has been kept in tip-top condition as well. This makes perfect sense as well, given just how user-friendly it is on the track. 

Photos: Gooding & Company

One of Few

Now, this historic Porsche racer is looking for a new owner that will continue its legacy, but as one of just around 30 surviving RS60/RS61 models, it's also an incredibly rare and valuable machine - one that's expected to net somewhere between $4 and $5 million when it crosses the auction block. It's a steep price for certain, but given this car's rarity and historic prominence, likely one that someone will be happy to pay. 

Photos: Gooding & Company

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