Driven by a vision for a more aggressive and technically advanced race car, Piëch was inspired by the success of the Carrera 6 and developed its successor: the Porsche 910. Designed to be exceptionally low in order to reduce aerodynamic drag, the 910 also featured a removable Targa roof to accommodate taller drivers and improve heat ventilation inside the cockpit – an unusual characteristic for a race car of its time.

The new car was equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, initially using an inline pump and later upgraded to a double-row pump. The flat six-cylinder engine retained its displacement of 1,996 cc, but output increased to 220 HP. Key developments included the introduction of 13-inch magnesium wheels – 8 inches wide at the front and 9.5 inches at the rear – with central locking hubs, replacing the earlier 15-inch wheels.

Only 44 examples of the Porsche 910 were built, with just 16 fitted with the 2.0-liter flat-six engine that featured all the typical hallmarks of Porsche’s racing engine technology:

• Lightweight magnesium engine case
• Smaller fan and fan shroud to reduce intake drag
• Centrally lubricated camshafts
• Slide throttle system
• Special small racing oil filter
• Magneti Marelli twin-spark distributor
• Lightweight flywheel
• Reinforced clutch
• Titanium connecting rods
• Special pistons and cylinder

Two of these 16 cars were built as long-tail versions for endurance racing. The remaining 28 cars were equipped with the 2.2-liter flat-eight engine, which offered more power but was heavier and significantly more complex.

A major achievement was the weight reduction of approximately 10 percent: the car’s weight dropped from 675 kilograms in the Carrera 6 to just 600 kilograms. Combined with its engineering advancements, this resulted in truly impressive performance and made the Porsche 910 almost unbeatable in its 2.0-liter class.

The particular car presented here comes from the very first series. It is easily distinguishable from later models, especially by its sharper, almost shark-like front nose with two air inlets positioned closer together – a feature that can also be seen in original historic photographs found in the old Austrian registration documents. This 910 was originally built as a coupé and has consistently remained in this configuration.

After initially being tested by the factory, the car was driven by the famous works driver Hans Herrmann, who would later secure overall victory at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 917. Herrmann also piloted this car in a hill climb race in Italy, demonstrating the versatility and competitive strength of the 910.

In 1968, the factory sold the car to works driver Rudi Lins, who campaigned it with great success under Bosch Racing sponsorship in numerous events, including the 1000-km race at the Salzburgring and many others. Lins was also the person who registered the car in his own name with the original Austrian title – documents that remain with the car to this day. The car’s successful racing history is extensively documented in literature and publications, including the book “Time and Two Seats”, which records its achievements during its active competition period.

It later passed into the hands of Lambert Hofer, a well-connected private racer who campaigned the 910 extensively. Under his ownership, the car took part in numerous events and was at times driven by notable talents such as Otto Stuppacher, Rolf Stommelen and even three-time Formula One World Champion Niki Lauda. Unfortunately, Hofer’s lavish spending on racing ultimately contributed to the downfall of his family’s renowned Viennese business. Ousted by his relatives, he retreated to rural Austria, where he spent much of his time in local bars. In 1994, he sold the car – together with an envelope of original documents on company letterhead and bearing his signature – to its current owner, preserving an invaluable link to the car’s past.

When the car changed hands, it was complete. Over the years, however, several modifications had been made to keep it competitive – a common practice for race cars that continued to be actively campaigned well into the late 1970s and even early 1980s. These modifications included:

• Enlarged rear wheel arches on the bodywork
• Fitting of larger 15-inch wheels
• Installation of larger intake trumpets and a larger slide throttle system
• Additional roll cage tubes for improved protection
• Removal of the rear window

All these modifications were carefully reversed during a meticulous restoration in order to return the car to its original delivery specification. Subtle traces of the previous wheel cutouts can still be seen today as slight variations in the fiberglass structure around the restored wheel arches.

Every nut, bolt and detail of the car was addressed to bring it up to FIA historic competition race-ready standards and to ensure its full eligibility for international historic motorsport events. The engine and gearbox were overhauled by one of Germany’s most renowned Porsche engine specialists. Every detail received the utmost attention, completed by a high-quality paint finish. After restoration, the car was tested on several racetracks and has occasionally been showcased at historic events. In addition, it comes with German title documents and road registration – documents that, for this exact chassis number, can only be issued once EU-wide – further underscoring its authenticity and unique status.

A comprehensive documentation folder accompanies this iconic historic race car, including:

• Original historic Austrian title (“Einzelgenehmigung”)
• German title and registration
• Two sets of FIA papers
• Old Christophorus magazines featuring the car
• Historic photographs
• Restoration pictures

The current market value of Porsche 910s ranges between 2.5 and 2.8 million US dollars, depending on condition and provenance. However, there is no other Porsche 910 race car with its original magnesium engine that also retains its original title documents and current EU registration. This car can be readily used in competitions and road race events throughout Europe.

The Porsche 910 represents a significant chapter in Porsche’s illustrious racing history. It symbolizes the determination and pioneering spirit of its engineers and drivers. Its legendary performance, impressive engineering advancements and the captivating stories that surround it make the Porsche 910 a milestone in motorsport – and a source of enduring fascination.