Despite the experience gained by Porsche while developing highly successful mid-engined racing sports cars such as the 550 and 718, the 904 GTS was an entirely new concept for the company.

Designed by FA “Butzi” Porsche, the 904 had a body shape that was hugely advanced for the time, featuring a low-drag nose leading to a sleek roof line and ending with a Kamm tail.

The chassis was of cutting-edge design, consisting of a steel frame strengthened with bonded fibreglass panels.

The only major component of the 904 that was a mainstay of the factory racing programme was the Fuhrmann 587/3-type four-cam engine.

Today Porsche is arguably the most successful manufacturer in sports car racing, and a decisive model for this success was the 904.

The ground-breaking 904 achieved a spectacular 1-2 finish at the 1964 Targa Florio, taking class wins at every major race during the 1964 and 1965 seasons due to a combination of outright speed and outstanding reliability.

Thanks to the 904, Porsch...