Porsche 718: A Living Legacy

“Once you get it on song, get up to 7,000-plus-revs, it was absolutely amazing,” says racing driver Derek Bell, “…and the fact you could brake so perfectly, flick it into a corner, put the power on…it just wanted the hell driven out of it.”
Former Porsche works driver Derek Bell wasn’t just driving any classic Porsche on any road-he was driving the Targa Florio-winning 718 RS 60 on the actual Targa Florio course in Italy. Noted for its 800+ corners, dozens of hairpin turns, and danger everywhere else, the Targa Florio is still a revered, respected, and cherished event in Sicily, where it was held in period.
Bell’s career, however, happened much later and he never did get a chance to drive Porsche’s diminutive giant-killer in period competition. “I never imagined I’d ever drive this car, I never imagined I’d ever drive on the Targa Florio…”
“Here I was having this opportunity to step back in history, if you like, before my time with Porsche. When I realize that, and think about what Porsche has meant to me during my life, and what it’s done for me, I realize how lucky I’ve been to go back before my actual period with Porsche and drive a car that created history in 1960, and even before that.”
Even for an accomplished motorsport veteran like Bell, the former racing car and course presented a number of challenges. “It took me some time to get completely confident with what I was doing, because I’ve never gone through so many hairpin bends in my life,” he says.
“I had a very special feeling that I can’t really put into words, but it was almost choking me when I put it into 1st gear and driving it up the road, and that feel-it’s actually the feeling of freedom,” Bell says, “…because I was on my own, on this amazing course, nobody around, and I was driving through corners that the greats had actually gone ’round those corners.”
Bell had to keep telling himself: “You’re not on just a bit of road…you’re on the Targa Florio course.”
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[@MetalJesusRocks]

These are the best videos on KZbin. So beautiful and so well made

[@jkilian86]

you here?😀

[@pajasene]

+MetalJesusRocks Just like your videos :)

[@CptToastman]

+Jonas Kilian : Who knew? :)

[@johnf4202009]

+MetalJesusRocks Just came from your dust cover video and find you here! Cool to know you are a car guy too!!

[@madfiat8932]

+MetalJesusRocks Yep. Really love how they let the car and its owner speak for themselves. They always managed to get a good commentary, and no need for a "host" to joke with people or talk over them. It's all about the car and the connection with it. I wonder where their budget to do these videos comes from. They're worldwide and well produced. And yet they only have 382,000 subscribers while many who are nowhere near this quality have over a million subs. Well, THIS video was obviously sponsored by Porsche. Probably will be shown at Porsche events and dealerships. Makes me wonder how many of the other videos they do are sponsored by manufacturers?

[@TheRevsInstitute]

One of the favorites in our collection. So honored to have Petrolicious and Porsche throw the legendary Derek Bell in our car and run her around Targa Florio. Spectacular job all around!!!

[@barrymontgomery9860]

Revs Institute Thank you for sharing this great car with us if only for a minute, it is truly inspiring!

[@MrGaryGG48]

Thank you for inviting Derek Bell to perform in this car at one of the courses where Porsche was so successful. Mr. Bell has been one of my favorite drivers from the era that came before the big productions and "every driver has his entourage" with a herd of "his people" following everywhere. When Derek Bell was racing, guys like Dan Gurney, Bob Bondourant, John Morton, AJ Foyt, were still on track and it was wonderful if you were a "devout racing fan!!"

[@MrFoof82]

170HP, but also only 570kg. That's 298.2HP per metric ton. By comparison, the 375HP Type 981 Boxster Spyder is 1315kg in its lightest configuration, or 285.2HP per metric ton. The power to weight ratio of the old 718s still holds up to modern Porsche sports cars 55 years later.

[@willym.8707]

Yes Joel it was designed to be a race car... 55YEARS AGO. So have a closer look to the engine and compare it with the sports cars these days... you'll even get a license plate for the street... so still a race car?! I totally agree with MrFoof82, that these figures are up to the Porsches these days. Clearly NO CHANCE in top speed

[@brandonbentley8532]

Yes but a pure race car and a respectable Sportscar are two different things. I own a 986 boxster and with a sports exhaust and bilstein shocks it's very much a pure race car experience but I still consider it a sports car not race car.

[@haoyuan5]

oh my goodness, the comparison of the young barber looking at old 718 and old barber looking at new 718 is just heartwarming and special

[@TheRevsInstitute]

I really liked that part too!

[@MJorgy5]

Hao Yuan He was still looking at the original 718

[@charlesmiller6281]

The unsung hero of this video and real live honest to God living legacy is Porsche racing legend Derek Bell. Cheers, mate!

[@obedchattergoon2780]

I'm not even upset that this is just a Porsche 718 advertisement, you all still did such a wonderful job. Keep up the great work, Petrolicious.

[@7thejoey]

You make the greatest automotive videos on youtube.

[@slb9694]

Derek and 718...what a perfect combination!

[@saamxi5467]

Its the quality and just pureness of the cinematography that just captures you. This channel has just pushed my passion and curiosity for older cars and truly respect everything on four wheels. Please keep this up Petrolicious.. Nothing but thumbs up from Me!

[@dtofq]

Who would've known the best ad for Porsche would be created by Petrolicious!

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

Porsche camera work is one of the best. Just Fantastic.

[@HK-lb5bh]

Derek Bell is a class act. Anybody who has ever worked with him will tell you what a rare, kind hearted human being he is. Thanks Petro and Porsche!

[@TheMendipman]

Brilliant. My all-time favourite racing car driven by one of my racing heroes.

[@NanobeFLY]

Awesome video, a great tribute to a legendary car, and race. Please, can we have an extended on-board video like the Derek Hill, Ferrari 250 GTO video? That would be incredible on this track!

[@MMShaggy]

+NanobeFLY agreed

[@TheUsmc0802]

These cars and drivers will never be matched.

[@193322009]

I had the pleasure of owning and racing one of these little jewels many years ago. Of all the different race cars I drove this was my favorite. Mine was chassis #019. I believe Porsche only made 37 of these little jewels. Like a fool, I sold it. Love this video! Well done.

[@toms5oh]

Derek Bell was one of my favorite prototype drivers of all time! Such a classy guy.

[@cPhiloo]

I'm amazed how young Sir Bell sounds ! I mean his voice is completly vivid, strong. I wish I'll be that alive in my 70's :)

[@petersagi275]

If ads were like this I'd watch them every day! (I think it's more than that though.)

[@markitoxi]

+Péter Sági Then go to Porsche channel and be amazed

[@bunkaaa8726]

170hp from a N/A 1.6?? Thats fucking good even by todays standards no?

[@mellownuance]

+Bunka Fas YESSS :D

[@CrossWindsPat]

+Bunka Fas My thoughts exactly. Although this is technically a race engine. Not sure if that was a thing back in the 50's though lol.

[@bunkaaa8726]

ap2pat Well no, but its just incredible how this many years on you need a turbo to make similar kinds of power on most cars from the same displacement / size! We've come so far in terms of safety but the power of combustion we must have smacked a dark age when we had the emissions laws or something, I was looking at a motorweek episode on the IROC/ MUSTANG reveals in the 80's(?) and they had a 5.1ltr's pushing out about 160bhp... Incredible!

[@CrossWindsPat]

Bunka Fas Ohh yea 80's American v8's were pretty damn pathetic. They were just low stress, run forever at 30% power lol.

[@CrossWindsPat]

***** This was in the late 50's man. there was really no street or race engines, they were just engines lol.

[@terrancefields4414]

A Porsche is like a great violin. Everything contributes to the sound including the finish on the instrument. Porsche's great performance reminds me of harmony in engineering.

[@rockdog2584]

This is probably my All-Time favorite Porsche. And Derek Bell couldn't have had a better place to get to drive this beautiful little machine.

[@jami7772]

Derek Bell and 718 both living legends! i particularly like the poignant barber shot.

[@DJMotoVlogs]

Even if you are not an auto enthusiast you can appreciate the cinematography. I am however an enthusiast so I just enjoyed this film very much!

[@nunomc2815]

Thank you Petrolicious, for another amazing testimony of motorsport's history, this time in cooperation with Porsche. It's always a pleasure to hear the 4 cam Ing. Ernst Fuhrmann masterpiece roaring, together with 24 h Le Mans winner Derek Bell's contribution. Congrats, by one proud Porsche owner 😊👍

[@richdt]

Great video and incredible sound from that little four banger... and Derek Bell is one cool guy.

[@billygun]

Derek Bell the great LeMans hall of famer. Glad to see he is still driving

[@shoutykat]

Loving the way it's all bumbleclatterfart until it clambers up onto its cams and then everything suddenly smooths out and it just sings. Ok, it's a race engine - a Formula 1 engine in 1961, no less but you could still drive this on a public road without killing it, yourself or anyone else. Beautiful thing.

[@mtnman6557]

Derek Bell; he was one accomplished driver! Nice to see that he still gets behind the wheel of some legendary race cars.

[@jeffkeen6943]

Thanks for sharing that wonderful sound with us Derek. And thanks for letting us ride along through your career...great memories and great times. Thankyou [from downunder]...

[@adam872]

This is right up there with the best work you've done guys. Having a legendary racer like Derek Bell being in the drivers seat just topped it off. And damn if that new Boxster isn't a handsome devil too. I'd never considered them much before but I would now.

[@jerusdc]

I stood over this exact car the other day in the collection at Rev's Institute, I could still hear the sound of that engine in my head. Incredible car in person to look at.

[@toro514]

what a sound track, both the car and the actual music composition. Well done again Petrolicious!!!

[@ggarrison1087]

the production quality of these videos is astonishing. i don't know how they do it.

[@romeah5697]

That is amazing that you put the latest model in the film...that shows heritage.

[@joshcorvette]

I remember as a kid, watching an old VHS tape of the '86 Le Mans with a couple of guys named Derek Bell, Hans Stuck, & Al Holbert piloting a Rothmans 962c. Even as a kid all I could think is "that Derek Bell guy sure is cool". Thanks Petrolicious, great vid.

[@douglasmiller8176]

Have a lowenbrau for holberts...

[@Robin9drftking]

oh the chills... beautifully shot... long live Porsches

[@MindDezign]

A "sweet blissful trio" This man,this machine on this track.....excellence!

[@SupercarAdvocates]

Wow, a real Legend... Now you can appreciate the new 718 Boxster a little more. Makes you just want to drive

[@markthorne3414]

Back then a lot of people, under estimate the small Porsche then, it was the ideal car to drive for that race, light and powerful. Dereck Bell, true race car driver and a English gentleman,

[@zducer]

What a beautiful production. Again.

[@Toarcade]

Probably one of the most beautiful promotional videos ever made. Now I want a Porsche 718, the old one I mean.

[@infirmusisdrums]

i thought the same thing... this video gave me chills.. a beautiful video...

[@liamcarroll1993]

How can anyone dislike one of your videos??? they are so well made! all this work and we can view for free, thank you

[@HiroshimaSpirit]

Wonderful film this time! I absolutely love Porsches, old and new.

[@bunter6]

Wow! It's only Derek BLOODY Bell!! He's probably got even better racing pedigree than the 718 itself !! You've outdone yourself this time Petrolicious !

[@AndreiCocisOne]

The final bits of the video may be the best automotive commercial I've seen! Obviously, in corelation with the whole video.

[@sacooper802]

no doubt the most professional filming techniques and such on you tube for a car enthusiast you tube channel. a class act program

[@jschauer31]

Omg! You guys produce the best car vids anywhere! Keep it up!

[@bstine20]

Your best video yet! Mixing the archive footage with your new shots is fantastic and immediately puts you in the moment. Very well done.

[@darrencharlton5271]

Derek Bell is a living British and World class racing driver without the the self imposed arrogance and entitlement of Moss, Derek we salute you our friend

[@terrancefields4414]

This is an amazing and unique engine with roller bearings attached to the crank. I saw a guy pull one out of a small drum of oil. I was so amazed to see crank mains and connecting rods factory sealed as one assembly..

[@targaflorio3239]

Wonderful tribute to an iconic race, Porsche and a great driver. Nice one Petrolicious.

[@noobasdfjkl]

This was... an ad?

[@matthewessex9163]

this video really capture the passion the culture the love the lifestyle that goes behind it all

[@moonpagan]

This is the stuff dreams are made of. Absolutely beautiful! :-)

[@RobinYoulton]

Derek Bell, absolute racing legend!

[@oprikawize]

Jesus, this is a magnificent video. how is this channel not the most popular car channel on KZbin. I wake up with a smile every Tuesday, knowing I'm in for an excellent video

[@timothylindsay3244]

Great video. Love Derek Bell’s sincere narration. This car and the 550 Spyder undoubtedly the progenitor of my 2010 987.2 6 spd manual Boxster, all the design cues are there. The fun and thrill of driving the car must be similar. I have 132,000 miles on my Boxster and still get an smile on every time I downshift and tromp on the gas. Thanks Porsche!

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

I remember as a kid my Dad having a (then 20 year old) 930 that he didn't painstakingly work on. It was just there are ran when it had to. He fucked up and sold low during the GFC but I'll never forget the two times I drove that 930 with the long throw 4-speed box. He then had a 964 with a G50 box which drove better but not even a 917 could top the day Dad gave me the keys to the 930. Stretched the old girl through low gears, scared myself more than once and parked it up without a scratch. Best result ever.

[@XoVoX]

most...excellent! Nothing more to add.

[@Alby911]

Brilliant as always.

[@k.j.g.9601]

I love Porsche. Always have, this is the prettiest car ever made in my opinion. Straight off of speed racer

[@therainforest4314]

Such mechanical poetry in the pure pared down simplicity of this drivers' car. Absolute automotive genius in my opinion, Petrolicious. :)

[@levisaxen614]

If only we were all lucky enough to watch commercials like this on regular tv, ones that inspire passion and evoke a pride in our favorite manufactures. We would all be so lucky. Beautiful advertisement. Thank you

[@surewin1773]

So cool to see Derrick Bell on here

[@stableofspeed1217]

What a brilliant video. Beautifully put together and what can I say about Derek Bell, one of the greats. Well done Petrolicious.

[@gracci01]

Nothing short of being the best auto film of the year.

[@adamdonovan5633]

Stunning video of an epic course and iconic Porsche narrated by a guy who knows a thing or two about motorsports! Real history unfolding! It's so good, don't mind it touting the new 718! Bravo Porsche & Derek Bell!

[@DankeUde]

Great channel and stunning video, as always... I´m proud to be suscribed.

[@David__]

Beautiful machine, great location + history - fantastic production - thanks for sharing :)

[@ObviousandCynical]

What a car. What a video. I love old Porsches and this is one of the coolest cars ever made. Thanks for sharing this with the world.

[@jetwrench5051]

Three cheers to Derek Bell! I could not think of a more deserving driver to grab the wheel of the 718! I live in Sicily and will be taking a road trip to drive the course. Not in a 718 (I can only wish!), but in a 200 SLK roadster. I love Italy!

[@aserta]

Awesome spry fella, absolutely gorgeous car, an amazing road, and one great team of creators. Perfect commemoration of the old greats.

[@LAOVideoFiles]

Great video, great job as always in their videos. Thank you for sharing them with eachother!

[@Bobster986]

Loved the drone shots and of cause the car. Not the new one, but the original 718.

[@cedb7115]

Great ad for Porsche!

[@2.fresh767]

Living legend, Derek Bell. That noise though.....

[@whatcarisit6665]

Just stumbled on this channel from a friend - can't say enough good things!!!

[@marctudela7057]

simply a perfect video

[@AaronSpielman]

I don't have a big enough vocabulary to how much I enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@Munkenba]

20 seconds in and it's already one of your best videos. Now to wait for the 4k to load...

[@zika1501]

Nice job Petrolicious. Thank you!

[@BlacklistBuilds]

everything about this video was stunning!

[@Musique61414]

As usual, superb. I saw Derek race back in the 70' s.

[@qvisionstudios]

Yes it's a commercial, but for the wrong car. Makes me want the older model over the newer one! 😛

[@ffioren]

☺👍

[@rickc2102]

Seriously! Porsche did their customers a disservice by not making the new 718s sound more like this one.

[@craigmccann1028]

Snob....

[@PaulZink]

Good luck trying to buy one!

[@kartikbajaj5497]

There's something about these old cars that feels deffrent and connected which you can't get in mordern day car... Hell 4 cylinder engine sound beautiful

[@oker59]

It's good to see Derek Bell. I remember seeing him at the IMSA DelMar, San Diego races back in the early 1990s.

[@simullane7836]

Its been 20 years but Mr Bell is easy to talk a nice bloke.

[@Mrjonblakely]

I can't believe that anyone would give this awesome video a thumbs down! They really do not know what they are looking at and listening to. This video has great camera work, unforgettable sound quality, a historical car with a narration by a knowledgable championship driver, what more could you ask for? So what if Porsche puts in their new 718 Boxster, after all, it is a descendant of the 4 cam Carrera engined 718.

[@andyc3586]

Excellent video. Such an eloquent car driven by the most eloquent of race drivers. Enjoyed!

[@ianbarber311]

Glad I managed to not view it as a commercial, and remember meeting Derek Bell at Sebring. A real Gentleman.

[@gautam8261]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@matthewessex9163]

thank you thank you and thank you again! Hands down one of the best videos that you've done so far. This really makes me remember why cars have been a passion for ever and will always be

[@seanconwaymusic1860]

Absolutely stunning! One of my favorite cars of all time and such a gorgeous road!

[@mzondi1970]

always lusted after owning a Porsche....any Porsche

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

Amazing amazing amazing. The car, the way you guys filmed it, the music. One of your best. The 718 is one hell of a machine... still I prefer the 550.

[@vladimiralvarez1162]

Mojo Risin me too I love the 550 spyder ...I own a boxter S and it remind me so much of the 550s of the 1950s

[@gustavfocar7859]

Porsche makes the best sports cars in the world ... it's the greatest car legend of all👍

[@loki7641]

yes 19 times winner in Le Mans ... and the last Victory 1973 - Targa Florio - with Porsche RSR Driver Herbert Müller !

[@smacksille1951]

another beautifully told story, metaphor and simile.

[@klasseact6663]

Love seeing an icon, then that same icon drives an ICON on an iconic track, Petrolicious does it again, "Drive Tastefully", absolutely!

[@SKmatt]

Great videos. Thanks a lot for your job. Thanks from France. I love your work, and thanks again for this wonderfull vidéos. Soo beautiful thanks

[@d.s.v.6404]

How have I gone this far without finding this channel?? Amazing videos.