In 1958 Porsche built their first open wheel racing cars, to compete in Formula 2, based on the successful Porsche RSK sports car.

After experiencing some success with these cars particularly with the likes of Stirling Moss, Jo Bonnier and Graham Hill driving Porsche took the decision to build Formula One car for the 1962 season.

As per Porsche tradition at the time the 1.5 litre / 91.5 cui motor is aircooled with 8 cylinders in the classic Porsche two bank flat lay out.

With twin over head cams operating the 2 valves per cylinder and four twin choke carburetors the motor produced around 180 hp.

After a disappointing start to the season Dan Gurney came through to win the 1962 French Grand Prix from 6th on the grid to claim to date Porsche’s only championship Grand Prix win as a chassis and engine constructor.

Dan’s 3rd place finish in the German Grand Prix and 5th in the US Grand Prix helped him secure 5th place in the 1962 Drivers Championship standings and Porsche 5th in the Manufacturers Championship standings.

The team withdrew from Formula One at the end of the season having finished 1-2 in the non championship Solitude Grand Prix with Dan finishing ahead of team mate Jo Bonnier.

Thanks for joining me on this “Only Championship Grand Prix Winner” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again for Maserati Monday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !