“FIRST PORSCHE” FAILS TO SELL

Technically speaking, the Type 64 isn’t really a Porsche… because the company didn’t exist when Ferdinand Porsche first built the car in 1938.

Historically, it’s the first car Ferdinand added his name to… about a decade later, when the auto manufacturer’s Gmund bodies were being produced. And, technically, this particular car is probably a combination of the first Type 64 chassis that was crashed early on and a third extra body. The Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. owns the second chassis that is still intact and has now been restored.

Surrounded by controversy, this Type 64 was still expected to sell last Saturday during Monterey car week for as much as $20 million (its reserve). However, the Dutch auctioneer called out bids that either sounded too high or were a fraction of the number shown on the large screen behind him. Bidding ended soon threafter.

If the car had been allowed to sell for $17 million (its top bid), that would have been the highest price ever paid for a Porsche.

(Photo: Staud Studios for RM Sotheby’s)

Note: Text revisions made at 11 pm the day of post to correct misinformation.