GP 718 classic cars for sale

History of the GP 718

Emerging in spring 1965, the GP 718 by GP Vehicles LTD is rooted deeply in the British automotive scene. The project’s vision—realised by John Jobber, with connections to Jaguar Cars and Brabham, and the renowned kit car designer Neville Trickett—was to recreate the Porsche 718 RSK with utmost accuracy. Built in Isleworth, Middlesex, using RAC rules, the GP 718 soon gained attention for its quality as a replica. Its fibreglass body was carefully modelled after the 1957 Porsche 718 RSK, and certification and road approval in the same year further solidified its status among bespoke British vehicles.

Model History

The GP 718 was inspired by the Porsche 718 RSK, the competitive sports car developed by Porsche in the late 1950s. Unlike factory-produced successors, the GP 718 focused on faithfully reproducing the look and feel of its inspiration while leveraging Volkswagen Beetle components for its underpinnings and powertrain. GP Specialist Vehicles, successor to GP Speedshop, continued this focused production tradition in the UK, catering to enthusiasts seeking both historical fidelity and practical usability.

Highlights of the GP 718

Distinctive among classic kit cars, the GP 718 delivers authenticity through its use of period-correct materials, such as a glass-fibre body modelled after the 1957 718 RSK, and a 4-cylinder VW Beetle-based engine displacing 1192 cc. Silver was the most frequently chosen paint finish, in keeping with the aesthetic tradition of the original Porsche racing heritage. Designed strictly under British RAC standards, every example boasts both MOT and VCA test certification, making it uniquely eligible for road use and events within the UK.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The regular GP 718 as constructed under UK regulations is regarded as the most accurate and dynamic kit-built Porsche 718 RSK replica. No separate special editions have been documented, but its use in notable public events, weddings, and exhibitions attests to its collectible appeal.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Under the bodywork lies technology familiar to air-cooled VW Beetle enthusiasts—a 4-cylinder engine with 1192 cc delivers the classic feel and simplicity that defined postwar roadsters. The combination of low kerb weight and traditional mechanicals offers lively throttle response matched with characteristic handling traits of rear-engined platform cars. The simple, reliable driveline was a plus for hobbyists and kit car aficionados. The highlight remains the standard GP 718 replica, praised by specialists for authenticity and durability when based on sound VW components.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Faithful to the Porsche 718 RSK aesthetics, the GP 718 stands out with its low, sleek body fashioned in fibreglass, often finished in silver to match the 1957 original. The interior, though purpose-built, typically features minimalist design cues—stripped-down dashboard, period switches, and simple bucket seats. Owner customisation is common, reflecting the car’s kit origins, but strict attention to the original racer’s style is the norm. Accessories usually centre on matching period-correct wheels, racing numbers, and simple weather protection, spotlighting the driver-centric ethos.

Other relevant features

GP 718 vehicles successfully passed both the UK’s MOT and VCA certification, verifying their suitability for road use. Their proven deployment at events and as display vehicles underlines their reliability for various applications.

Summary

Built in the mid-1960s in Isleworth, the GP 718 stands alone in the GP Specialist Vehicles catalogue as an authentic and dynamic replica of the Porsche 718 RSK. Utilising VW mechanicals, fibreglass construction, and adhering to strict British standards, this model remains the primary offering from GP, dominating both supply and demand in classic market listings.