1966 Porsche 911 Spyder Bertone

In 1965, when Porsche 356 production ended, Porsche was in works developing the new 911 Targa for 1966.  Nearly everyone wanted to know when Porsche would again produce an open air version of their new sports coupe. Looking to meet this demand, dealer and importer Johnny Von Neumann teamed with Italian design house Bertone to create a drop-top Porsche. In speaking with Porsche about this problem, Von Neumann was approved for release of a single chassis (# 13421).  

The end result seemed something absolutely spectacular, with the new body looking much more fetching than anything that had come out of Porsche, or in fact Germany as a whole.  The car was truly an Italian design, mimicking and improving on contemporary designs from competitors Lamborghini and Ferrari.  Even the interior was "Italianized" with the standard gauges moved to the center stack, proper GT cruiser leather seats, the rear seat removed, and a legitimate center console added. 

The agreement with Bertone was to produce a single chassis to test the feasibility of mass production for less than a showroom price of $8000 US Dollars.  Once done, the car was prepared for the Geneva Auto Show, where it completely stole the stage. However, no one placed hard orders or gave any indication of actually purchasing one.  The higher-ups at Porsche killed the deal, and Von Neumann was forced to concede that the Targa would be more practical for production at a much lower cost.

Originally displayed with Campagnolo wheels, and in a particularly fetching shade of Carmine Red, the Bertone special wowed crowds. When originally produced, the Spyder was equipped with the standard 911 two-liter flat six producing 130 hp. At some point, though, the car received an upgraded 901/02 “S” specification engine as well as a set of 914-6 Mahle “Gas Burner” alloy wheels. Sometime during its life it has been reupholstered with a saddle color leather and has been repainted in a lovely smooth black that complements its curves.  While it has received several different sets of wheels, notably, steel 904 wheels, and a wide set of Fuchs, the car is most often shown wearing a perfect set of 914-6 Mahle "Gas-burner" wheels. This 911 Spyder is the only collaboration between Bertone and Porsche, and the sole example ever built. (flatsixes.com & goodingco.com)

(Photos from hemmings.com, flatsixes.com & allcarindex.com)

1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GT

The Porsche 924 was a success and brought in much needed cash after the company hit trouble following the 1970s oil crisis. About 125,000 924s and 14,000 924 Turbos (officially designated Porsche 931) were sold between 1976 and 1985.

With the arrival of the turbo under the hood of the 924 in 1978, Porsche envisioned a commitment to competition, especially in Group 4 to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The regulations required the production of at least 400 certified copies. The first prototype was unveiled in 1979 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and 400 road cars were produced the following year, under the name 924 Carrera GT. A total of 406 copies came out of the factory, including six prototypes. LHD cars are designated type 937, RHD are 938 (75 made).

Its design is virilized by a body kit with wider wings, with polyurethane extensions to accommodate wider tracks. A prominent air intake is centered on the hood to feed the air exchanger. The 4 cylinders 2L taken from the 924 Turbo now develops 210 hp. Remarkably balanced, the 924 Carrera GT benefits from a Transaxle structure that manages to perfectly distribute the masses.

A step up from the GT is the GTS, of which 59 were made in the Stuttgart factory. These are more powerful than the 924 Carrera GT thanks largely to running increased boost. (classicdriver.com & 924gt)

(Photos from classicdriver.com, mad4wheels.com, 

bringatrailer.com & graypaulclassiccars.com)