Insight: Porsche 907 No.222 Hans Herrmann Jochen Neerpasch 4th Targa Florio 1968
Overview of the Porsche 907 No.222
The Porsche 907 No.222, driven by the esteemed duo Hans Herrmann and Jochen Neerpasch to a commendable fourth-place finish at the 1968 Targa Florio, is a celebrated icon of Porsche’s racing heritage. Introduced in 1967, this mid-engined sports car featured a reliable 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing around 220 horsepower, complemented by a longtail body that enabled speeds of up to 302 km/h (190 mph) on straights. Its innovative right-hand driver position, a strategic move by Ferdinand Piëch, optimized performance on clockwise circuits like the rugged Sicilian Targa Florio course, making it a standout in Porsche’s 1960s racing lineup.
Performance at the 1968 Targa Florio
The 1968 Targa Florio showcased the Porsche 907 No.222’s endurance and agility, with Herrmann and Neerpasch navigating the demanding 72-lap, 720 km race to secure fourth place. Despite fierce competition from Ford and Ferrari’s larger-engined cars, the 907’s vented brake discs and lightweight design allowed it to hold its own on the challenging mountain roads. This result, achieved amidst a field that included a dramatic wheel loss and tyre puncture for teammate Vic Elford, underscored the car’s robustness and the drivers’ skill, adding to Porsche’s growing reputation in international motorsport.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Porsche 907 No.222 holds a special place in racing history as part of Porsche’s preparation for a potential rule change spurred by Ford’s dominant 7.0L V8. Its fourth-place finish at the 1968 Targa Florio, combined with successes like the 1-2 finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring, highlighted its versatility across circuits. The car’s legacy is further enriched by Hans Herrmann’s later triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche, and Jochen Neerpasch’s transition to a successful motorsport manager. This model remains a symbol of Porsche’s engineering ingenuity and the thrilling era of endurance racing.
