Porsche is known for bringing forth performance-oriented engineering innovations throughout its long history, whether that be in its use of transaxles, variable geometry turbochargers, or hybrid technology. However, one of its most unique solutions took place in the world of motorsport, specifically in the 909 Bergspyder. The lightest-ever race car from Porsche, made in 1968, the 909 Bergspyder weighed around 400 kilograms, and it used some radical solutions to achieve that incredibly scant figure.
During the European Hill Climb Championship, on the Gaisberg mountain in Salzburg, Austria, Porsche introduced the 909 Bergspyder as a masterpiece of motorsport engineering. While the 909 Bergspyder featured several highly innovative parts, one of the most intriguing was its fuel tank, which was sphere-shaped, twice the size of a soccer ball, and held in by three straps. It was made of thin titanium with a rubber bladder, and it was designed to operate without a fuel lift pump, reducing the weight by an impressive seven kilograms.
Along with that unusual solution, the 909 Bergspyder also positioned the seat shell, engine, and five-speed transmission far towards the front of the car, improving the weight distribution while the differential was all the way at the back. Despite this radical innovation and painstaking engineering, the 909 Bergspyder only ran twice, as Porsche focused more on the World Sportscar Championship and Le Mans.
Only two Porsche 909 Bergspyders were made, and they were the only cars that Porsche used the spherical fuel tank on. However, the unique engineering solution lives on as a symbol of the dedication and ingenuity given to the world of motorsport, which then goes on to inform the high-tech, performance-oriented solutions that have characterized roadgoing Porsche cars across the manufacturer’s history and to this day.
Image Source: Porsche
