Porsche designed the 908/03 with two specific races in mind: the Targa Florio and the Nürburgring 1000 KM. Both circuits, known for their tight and twisty layouts, demanded a car that was light, agile, and quick.
To meet these challenges, Porsche took inspiration from the earlier 908/2 Spyder, which had been pivotal to the 1969 championship. However, the 908/03 was a completely new creation, retaining only the three-liter flat-eight engine from its predecessor. The body and chassis of the 908/2 were replaced with a design influenced by the 909 hill climb Spyder. This new layout, with the driver’s legs positioned over the front axle, combined with a wide, lightweight polymer body, offered exceptional handling and downforce, ideal for the targeted circuits.
Initially called the 908/69 project, Porsche developed two prototypes and later built seven competition-ready cars. The 908/03 excelled in its debut season in 1970, with Jo Siffert and Brian Redman winning the Targa Florio, and two other cars finishing 2nd and 5th. At the Nürburgring 1000 KM, it dominated again, taking 1st and 2nd.
The 908/03 returned in 1971, securing another 1-2 finish at the Nürburgring. Its engineering excellence and racing success made it a favorite among private teams, with modifications extending its competitive life into the 1980s. With just 13 examples ever built and only six raced during its prime, the 908/03 remains a rare and celebrated icon of Porsche’s racing legacy.
Watch this cool video from Belgian-Motorsport on YouTube showing a Porsche 908/3 doing fly-bys around Spa-Francorchamps.
