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The Automobile as Art: The 1939 Porsche Type 64

The First Automobile to Bear the Porsche Name Comes to RM Sotheby’s Monterey Collector Car Auction.

29 May, 2019

Andrew Miterko

The rush of technological advancement in automobiles through the 1920s and 1930s resulted in some of the most iconic race cars of the period. Road racing brought tremendous prestige for carmakers and drivers alike and was a source of national pride during the interwar period. VW commissioned Dr. Ferdinand Porsche to produce three special long-distance race cars to compete in the Berlin-Paris road race. Presumably the cars might have been lined up next to Auto Unions and Mercedes-Benz entries had the race actually transpired. This may have been VW’s attempt to show its mettle.

While the road race never came to fruition due to the advent of the Second World War, the Type 64 laid the engineering foundation of the most compelling Porsche sports cars, which carry principals to present-day models. It is a vehicle that is regarded as the missing link between Volkswagen and Porsche and is quite possibly the most significant example of Porsche engineering in existence today.

RM Sotheby’s is proud to offer the Type 64 owned and driven by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry Porsche at our upcoming Monterey flagship three-day collector car auction, held August 15-17.

Click ahead to explore the details of the incredible 1939 Porsche Type 64.

Aircraft-Technology-Derived Bodywork:

Lightweight riveted aluminum body panels were formed from 0.5 mm aluminum sheets by the coachbuilders at Reutter Works to create its unique aerodynamic body with sweeping fenders, removable alloy fender skirts, and narrow teardrop-shaped passenger and engine compartment to reduce drag.