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Chassis:
One of just 18 Pre-A 356 Carrera Speedsters built, this example was completed in November of 1955. It was finished in white and upholstered with black leather. Shipped to the United States in early 1956, it was sold through Max Hoffman and Sweeney British cars to Baron Daniel von Hermann. This was a German nobleman, who lived in California and was understood to be a Volkswagen dealer by trade. Under the pseudonym ‘Daniel W. Herman’, he raced chassis 81079 in SCCA events through to 1960. It then changed hands several times but then joined the long-term ownership of Louis Lovato in 1970. He eventually placed the car on storage until it was found and acquired by Porsche-specialist Wayne Baker. He sourced a period correct Type 547/1 engine and retained the car into the early 2000s. It had two subsequent owners before it joined another long-term custodianship in 2012. Between 2019 and 2021, it was restored by two German specialists. In 2024, the rare pre-A Carrera Speedster was consigned to the RM Sotheby’s Monaco sale.
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