We’ve been in love with the Porsche 908 for some time now. I don’t know if it’s suspension activated ailerons in the 908LH or the open cockpit of the 908/2, but there’s something about that flat-8 engine howling with pleasure as it completes lap after lap that just puts a big smile on my face.
Interestingly, the 908/2 started as a complete failure for Porsche. In 1969, when changes were made to the Group 6 prototype rules, Porsche chopped off the 908’s roof and long tails in an effort to save some 220 lbs. Even with a significant increase in power to weight, Porsche’s first race of that season was a complete failure when all three of the 908/2’s entered at the 24 Hours of Daytona failed to finish and then again at the 12 Hours of Sebring three more factory 908/2’s were defeated by at Ford GT40. It wasn’t until Brands Hatch where the 908/2 came into its own and went on to take wins there as well as Monza, Spa and the Targo Florio. Ultimately, all the 908/2s wins for the season gave Porsche the 1969 Manufacturer’s Championship.