VIN: the first Porsche - 356/1 Gmund chassis 356-001
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HISTORY OF CHASSIS 001
356/1 chassis 001 was the first post-World War 2 product to emerge from Porsche’s Gmund workshop in Austria. The remote converted sawmill was home to the firm until its return to Stuttgart in 1950.
Porsche uniquely equipped the 356/1 with a tubular spaceframe chassis that used a mid-engine configuration. Power came from an 1100cc Volkswagen-derived engine fitted with a custom big valve head. The rest of the mechanical components were almost pure Volkswagen.
001’s naked rolling chassis was tested in March 1948 and, by June, it had been clothed with a slippery aluminium body. On June 8th, the car was registered with the Austrian authorities and issued licence plate K 45286.
In early July, 001 attended the Swiss Grand Prix held at the 7.2km Bremgarten circuit near Bern. Here it was shown to and driven by various members of the press.
One week later, the car was driven by Ferry Porsche’s cousin, Herbert Kaes, to a class win at the Innsbruck road races.
In September 1948, Porsche sold 001 to raise much needed funds.
It was purchased by Josh Heintz, the owner of Riesbach Garage in Zurich. Heintz paid CHF 7000 and, in December, sold the car for CHF 7500 to Peter Kaiser, a German architect also from Zurich.
By way of comparison, the 356 Coupe displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1949 had a list price of CHF 15,000.
Kaiser kept the car for around a year and used it as his daily driver during which time he replaced the cable-actuated brakes with a hydraulic mechanism. He also tinkered with the ‘Porsche’ script on the nose to make it read ‘Pesco’ which he liked because it sounded Italian.
As a consequence of various problems with the car, Kaiser sold it to AMAG, the Zurich Volkswagen agent, for CHF 4500. AMAG in turn sold it to another Zurich resident, Rosemarie Muff.
In 1952, the by now tired little roadster was acquired by another Swiss, Hermann Schulthess, who gave the car a sympathetic refurbishment.
Schulthess then used 001 for slalom events but, after half a dozen outings, it was hit up the back by an Opel.
While 001 was being repaired, Schulthess had further enhancements carried out to include larger wheelarches and round tail lights. He also sent it back to Porsche for installation of new brakes and a 1.5-litre engine.
Schulthess later exchanged 001 for a 356 1300 Coupe owned by a Zurich baker by the name of Igoris.
Igoris tried to renege on the deal but Schulthess refused.
Thereafter, the car sat unloved in its new owner’s garage until being spotted by Franz Blaser, a mechanic from Lachen. Blaser agreed to purchase the car, overhauled it and 001 was put back the road.
In 1958, Porsche took the decision to try and buy 001.
Through Hermann Schulthess, Porsche’s press officer, Richard von Frankenburg, was able to make contact with Blaser. Blaser was happy to take a brand new Speedster in exchange.
001 was later restored and has remained in Porsche’s ownership ever since.
Notable History
03/1948 rolling chassis completed
06/1948 equipped with aluminium roadster body
08/06/1948 registered K 45286
02-04/07/1948 presented to members of the press at the Swiss Grand Prix, Bremgarten
11/07/1948 IND Innsbruck Rund um den Hofgarten (H. Kaes) 1st in 1.1 class
09/1948 sold to Josh Heintz, Riesbach Garage, Switzerland
12/1948 sold to Peter Kaiser, Switzerland
20/12/1948 re-registered ZH 20 460
1951 sold to AMAG, Switzerland
1951 sold to Rosemarie Muff, Switzerland
1952 sold to Hermann Schulthess, Switzerland
Later sold to Igoris, Switzerland
Later sold to Franz Blaser, Switzerland
1958 sold back to Porsche
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Porsche - https://www.porsche.com
