Down On The Street

What I think is a genuine Porsche Speedster.

It's always difficult to tell with these, as they are frequently reproduced on shortened VW Beetle chassis. And why not - they're quite similar under the bathtub body. And with a VW repop, you get most of the experience for a fraction of the cost. And you won't cry as much if somebody dings it up.

This is the part that leads me to believe that it's a real-deal Speedster:

A Karosseriewerk Reutter badge on the front passenger-side fender. They were one of the original Speedster body producers. This company later evolved into automotive seat (and more) supplier Recaro. 

Real or repop, I'd happily place this in the garage.

Prototyp Automuesum, pt. IV

The fourth, and final installment of pics from the stunning Prototyp Automuseum in Hamburg, Germany. Scroll down for parts 1-3, if you're incredibly bored/suffering from insomnia.

Porsche 356 toy mold (the actual toy produced is seen in the background):

Original catalog illustration:

 Original VW Type II Bus catalog illustration:

Pointillism art for Gasolin chain of service stations. India ink, by Bruno Bergner:

1937 Auto Union Type C panel shaping buck:

Porsche 911, prepped for rally w/four wheel drive. Yes please.

911 interior, nice Terratrip:

 Drilled for lightness:

 speed holes

 roof vent

 windshield brace, vent scoop, hood pin

 roof-mounted extra tail/running lights, spare

Gorgeous 356 Carrera 2

 decklid badge

356 Cabriolet, body by Gläser:

split-window

 

as affixed to the right front fender

Prototyp Automuseum Hamburg, pt. III

The third entry of four from my recent visit to the excellent Prototyp Automuseum in Hamburg Germany.

Porsche 597 Jagdwagen:

Yep, that Porsche. The one that makes the excellent sports cars.

This was a proposal Jeep-type vehicle for the Germany army. Competitor DKW was awarded the contract, so the 70 that were built were sold under the name Jagdwagen, meaning hunting car.

I've never hunted, nor do I care to, but this would make an excellent beach buggy here in Carlsbad.

The purposeful Porsche was parked next to my favorite VW - a Schwimmwagen. I imagine you can figure out the translation of "schwimmwagen".

Of the 15,584 produced during WWII, only 163 remain, making this a VW that I will certainly never own.

I love this logo:

Well-equipped with a shovel and paddle.

 Toolbox, first aid

 I'm pretty sure the speedo doesn't work while in "boat mode"

The aquatic business end:

Audi R8 prototype:

 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

 With a novel fiberglass body

Simple and elegant tail.

windshield decals

 intake

 fuel filler, located on the hood

 Porsche 718 F1, 1964

Check out the shaped welded aluminum fuel tank, surrounding the driver. The steering wheel is just a bit simpler than the current crop of F1 cars.

 No fuel cell or harness here, these drivers were borderline suicidal.

 old treads

badge on the 718 body