World’s Only Porsche Type 64 Headed to Auction this Summer
Most historically significant Porsche ever promises to command record money at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale in August.
Over the last several years, we’ve seen some historically significant Porsche vehicles command premium dollars at auction. So, we can only imagine what will transpire at the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey Car Week on August 15-17, because what is perhaps the most important Porsche in history is set to cross the block – the 1939 Type 64.
Most think of the 356 as the very first Porsche. But it was actually the Type 64 that first wore the badge, before the official formation of Porsche as a car company, in fact. Ferdinand Porsche and Volkswagen came up with the idea to build three cars to participate in the Berlin to Rome endurance race in 1939.
The Type 64 was actually based on the pre-Beetle KdF-Wagen, even employing the same drivetrain. Albeit with a “souped up” engine producing 32 horsepower. But the exterior of the car was radically different. The extremely aerodynamic body was constructed from aluminum, riveted in place like some sort of aircraft.
Porsche managed to build one Type 64 before the war, with the other two coming later. By the end of World War II, only this one remained. Though some parts from one of the scrapped cars were used to build a recreation. That car now resides at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Needless to say, the fact that this amazing slice of Porsche history is still around, in mostly original condition, is worth celebrating.
“I’ve seen countless special Porsches in my career, but nothing like this,” said Porsche expert Andy Prill. “This is the most historically significant of all Porsche cars and it is simply incredible to find the very first Porsche in this original condition.”
Now, all that’s left to ponder is what sort of price the sole Type 64 will bring at auction. And you can bet that it’ll be a lofty one.
Photos: RM Sotheby’s
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