The only way to see the pictures:
https://rmsothebys.com/blog/posts/th...rsche-type-64/

Weight Reduction to Optimize Power:

The structural chassis elements of the Type 1 Volkswagen were retained, although the floor pans were replaced with lightweight aluminum panels to further save weight in addition to the lightweight outer structure. The valve covers, oil filler, and cooling shroud were also made from a lightweight alloy instead of steel. The interior featured minimalist-design seating for only the driver and passenger, an aluminum dashboard with speedometer, and crude fabric door panels with door handles fashioned from rope.

Race-Tuned Air-Cooled Engine:

The Type 64 shares the same flat-four-cylinder air-cooled engine from the Type 1 Volkswagen, but was tuned to 32 horsepower through the use of larger valves, dual carburetors, and a higher compression ratio in preparation for the 1,500-kilometer Berlin-Rome endurance race. With horsepower increased by a third of the original engine, optimized aerodynamics, and decreased weight, the standard KdF-Wagen 1:4.47 axle ratio proved to be unsuitable and was replaced with a 1:3.45 unit, which increased the top speed from 134 km/h to 173.5 km/h.

Outstanding Provenance

Chassis number 38/41 was completed in August of 1939 and driven by the Managing Director of Volkswagen, Bodo Lafferentz, who returned it to Ferdinand Porsche after damaging it in an accident in 1940. Dr. Porsche and his son, Ferry Porsche, moved the body from the third Type 64 to the damaged 38/41 and retained it for their personal use until 1949, when Swiss racer Otto Mathé took ownership until his death in 1995. Porsche historian and revered author of the Carrera RS and Porsche 911 R books Dr. Thomas Gruber took ownership shortly after in 1997.

The First Vehicle to Bear the Porsche Name:

When the plant was forced to relocate to Gmünd, Austria, to escape the Allied forces’ bombing of industrial facilities, the Type 64 cars went with it. Chassis 38/42 was confiscated by American forces, although Dr. Porsche was allowed to keep 38/41 as his personal vehicle. Ferry Porsche applied the raised lettering on the nose of the car spelling “PORSCHE” when he registered the vehicle for road use in Austria in 1946 under the new company name.

Early Restoration by Pinin Farina:

In 1947 Porsche commissioned a young Battista “Pinin” Farina to supervise and complete restoration work on chassis 38/41 in Turin, Italy. Following Pinin Farina’s restoration, chassis 38/41 was demonstrated on public roads in Innsbruck alongside the newest Porsche model, the Type 356 Roadster no. 1.

The First Porsche Entered in Competition:

Swiss privateer racer Otto Mathé was exposed to the Type 64 at a demo event for the 356 Roadster and subsequently became enamored with the vehicle. Porsche sold chassis 38/41 to Mathé in 1949, who successfully campaigned the Type 64 in a number of European races through the 1950s and kept the vehicle in his possession until his death in 1995.

Impressive Originality:

Chassis 38/41 is presented today in original condition and retains nearly all its original parts. Porsche expert Andy Prill recently studied the Type 64, commenting, “I’ve seen countless special Porsches in my career, but nothing like this. I was very careful in examining the authenticity of the Type 64, no. 3 and its chassis. After spending many days with the car, I have found evidence that all key components of the cars are original as built in 1939/1940. 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.”

Original Spare Components:

Along with the striking originality of the Type 64, a number of original spare parts accompany the exceedingly rare vehicle. An extensive catalog of period images and historical documentation is also included.



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