Porsche 908/02 Spyder

September 17, 2017 Tim Havermans 908

Jo Siffert (CH) in the Porsche 908/02

In 1969, Porsche wins its first Makes World Championship. On the way to this historic triumph, the 908/02 Spyder – a modified version of the 908 from 1968 – proves virtually unbeatable. The 1969 technical regulations stipulate neither a minimum weight nor a roof, luggage compartment or spare wheel. Featuring an aluminium space frame, a 13-kilogram plastic body, a new lightweight five-speed gearbox and details like titanium axles, the 908/02 Spyder weighs just 600 kilograms. An innovative development is the possibility to fill the frame with compressed air to detect damage.

The 908/02 Spyder also serves as a test car at the first ABS tests, a feature that is not adopted for racing. On March 22, 1969, Rolf Stommelen, Joe Buzzetta and Kurt Ahrens Jnr score third at the 908/02 Spyder’s debut at Sebring. Victories follow at Brands Hatch, the Targa Florio, on the Nürburgring and in Watkins Glen. Notching up over 50 major victories and more than 100 podium results between 1969 and 1972, the 908/02 Spyder is one of the most successful Porsche race cars until today.