Stirling Moss Acquires Porsche RS 61

British motor racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss has purchased the Gooding & Co Amelia Island auctioned 1961 Porsche RS Spyder, one of the last Spyders built by Porsche that used the potent 4-cam engine. Just one week ago Sir Stirling fell three floors down a lift shaft in his own home, breaking multiple bones and chipping four vertebrae in the process.

Still in hospital recovering, the recent purchase should cheer him up as he acquired the Bob Holbert, Thomas Payne and Millard Ripley 1962 Watkins Glen SCCA National-Winning RS 61. Stirling himself raced the Porsche RS cars of the early sixties and very nearly won the 1961 Targa Florio in a similar car.

Lot 55 receieved a winning bid of USD1.705 million including the buyers premium. Delighted with their latest purchase, Stirling and his wife Suzie commented, "this makes a wonderful 30th Wedding Anniversary present” and added “its something to look forward too” when he recovers from his injuries.

Here is the full specification of the car Stirling has bought:

• The Bob Holbert, Thomas Payne and Millard Ripley 1962 Watkins Glen SCCA National-Winning 1961 Porsche RS 61
• Chassis No. 718.070
• Engine No. P90505
• One of only fourteen RS 61’s built
• Exceptional US racing history with 13 Wins and 20 Podium Finishes in SCCA National Competition
• One of the few RS 60/61’s with original bodywork
• Coachwork by Wendler
• Impressive, known ownership history from new, to which we can add Sir Stirling Moss OBE
• Correct Type 547 engine and Type 718 gearbox
• 1,678 CC DOHC Air-Cooled Boxer 4-Cylinder Engine
• Twin Weber carburettors
• Approximately 180 BHP at 7,800 RPM
• 5-Speed manual gearbox with limited slip differential
• 4-wheel finned alloy drum brakes
• Independent front suspension with trailing arms and torsion bar
• Independent rear suspension with wishbones and coil-over shock absorbers
• Eligible for the Colorado Grand, Tour Auto and the Le Mans Classic