There are few teams more iconic and fondly remembered that Porsche’s works effort at the 1970 Targa Florio. Most of that imagery and most of those remembrances, however, are of the winning 908/3 of Jo Siffert and Brian Redman. Surely, #12 has earned her place in motorsport’s hall of heroes, but let’s not forget Vic Elford’s machine currently on offer from the Southern California sports and racing broker Tillack. Chassis 007 was no also-ran. She qualified second for the 1970 Targa. And while she may not wear the Gulf livery that her teammates did, she is no less beautiful; some would say even more so.
I adore the 908 Spyder. If you look at Porsche’s endurance racers through the era, they all make a pretty straight line right up to the 917. The 906, 910, 907 lineage represents a fairly consistent evolution of design. You can even add the 908/2 to that lineup. All of them pointing right at what would become of Porsche’s endurance racing efforts. The 908/3 Spyder stands out as a design oddity for the marque. The boxy little go-kart of a machine is no less beautiful than the sleek lines of the other closed-top endurance racers from Stuttgart, but there’s something of a rebel in her contours and stance. Which is, of course, what I love about her.
This car had some longevity as well, after an update to her bodywork and livery, she competed—and took 3rd—at the 1971 Nurburgring 1000km. Now she’s been lovingly taken back to her 1970 Targa Florio livery and bodywork as part of a 2000 restoration by Moorespeed Ron Greuner at MORSPEED (the restoration workshop is now a part of Jerry Woods Enterprises). (Editor’s Note: Thanks to David, who commented below correcting me on this restoration attribution. I have reached out to Tillack for confirmation on the restoration history). I think it a good decision. The Martini livery she wore in 1971 was all well and good, but there’s something about these sunburst stripes that really does it for me. I can even look past the Christmas colors, which isn’t easy.
I can’t imagine someone wanting more from a racing machine than this 908/3 has to offer. Go pick it up; call up Jerry and have him meet you at Laguna Seca in his #12; and get to the business of recreating the 1970 Targa Florio.
Also, give me a ride. More photos and details at Tillack’s site.
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This gorgeous car, Porsche 908/3-007, was originally restored by Big Ron Gruener at MORSPEED (the restoration facility formerly owned by the late Dave Morse where among other famous cars the Drendel 917/30-004 on offer at Gooding’s was also restored, now merged with Jerry Woods Enterprises) NOT at Moorespeed as stated above.
Thank you for the correction, David. I’ve updated the post with your information and contacted Tillack for confirmation.
David – Do you know any history of 917/30-004, in terms of specifically what years Dave Morse owned it?