The Unstoppable Legend: How Porsche's 718 RSK, Lucybelle III, Conquered the Racing World
In the world of motorsport where horsepower and engine size often dictate the terms of victory, the tale of Porsche’s 718 RSK, affectionately known as Lucybelle III, is a narrative of defiance, innovation, and unparalleled success. This iconic racer, with its understated aluminum silhouette, harbors a mechanical heart that established Porsche as an invincible force on the global racing stage during the 1950s.
Emerging from the prestigious lineage of the 550 A, Porsche's first 'thoroughbred' race car, the 718 model soared to claim over a thousand victories. Between 1953 and the early '60s, this marvel of engineering dominance wasn't just confined to factory teams; privateers too shared in the spoils of its unmatched capability. Among its illustrious kin, the 1959 718 RSK Spyder, dubbed Lucybelle III, stands out for its remarkable journey from the demanding circuits of Le Mans to the prestigious auction block at Amelia Island.
With only 34 RSK Spyders ever crafted, Lucybelle III’s story begins with its delivery to racing enthusiast Ed Hugus in 1959, adorned in a striking Silver Metallic over beige interior. Birthed from the genius of Ernst Fuhrmann, its four-cam, four-cylinder engine became a legend in its own right, powering Hugus and Lucybelle III to nearly clinch a class victory at Le Mans. Despite an unexpected engine failure curtailing their victory, the duo's indomitable spirit left an indelible mark on motorsport history.
Hugus’s racing career, spanning over two decades, saw him participating in premier events, with Lucybelle III being his steadfast companion. Following its stint in international circuits, this resilient warrior continued to grace the American racing scene across iconic locations like Phoenix, El Paso, and Road America. Its racing legacy culminated with an impressive fourth-place finish in the under 2.0-liter class at the 1962 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
Entering what one might refer to as a 'hermit era,' Lucybelle III vanished from the public eye for over two decades, emerging briefly to claim accolades at the Amelia Island Concours before disappearing once again. It wasn't until a meticulous 30-month restoration that this sleeping beauty awoke, resplendent and ready to once again captivate the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. With a newly rebuilt engine and a painstakingly restored body, Lucybelle III stole the show at Pebble Beach, securing third place in the Postwar Racing Class.
Today, eligible for prestigious events like the Le Mans Classic, Lucybelle III continues to pay homage to Porsche's racing heritage, reminding us that in the world of motorsport, it's not just the size of the engine that counts, but the heart pulsing within. Lucybelle III may exhibit a breathtaking facade, but at its core, it encapsulates the spirit of a titan, a testament to Porsche's enduring legacy of triumph against the odds.
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