This Porsche 356 is unlike any other.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, it’s difficult to describe this 1954 Glockler Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 Coupe as beautiful, especially when compared to other 356 variations. This machine is important because it’s a unique race car that has only been in one event. This coupe will be auctioned in Monterey, California by RM Sotheby’s on August 13th and 14th.
Walter Glockler was a Frankfurt car dealer and a skilled racer on two- and four-wheels. He also started building race cars using components from Porsche and Volkswagen in the late 1940s.
RM Sotheby’s listed his seventh competition car. Glockler designed it to compete in the 1954 Mille Miglia. However, the machine was not ready in time according to a 2014 report from Classic driver. Walter Glockler, Walter’s cousin, was at the wheel of the car during the Liege-RomeLiege event. The coupe was unable to compete due to technical problems.
This Glockler Porsche looks nothing like a 356. The pair of large circular headlights at the front make things look a little familiar. There are two smaller, rectangular lights at the front and one large, cyclops-shaped eye in the middle. This machine is easily visible at night.
A separate glass section extends from the top of the doors into the roof. This gives the cabin a light appearance, which may make it easier to enter the low-slung machine.
Another notable difference is the rear window, which is different from a 356. It can be separated into smaller sections, but wraps around all sides of the body. This machine has a lot of glass so visibility is another advantage.
There are small fins at the rear. This is a striking design element that is very 1950s and makes the car look even more interesting.
The Type 547 quad-cam four cylinder engine, rear-mounted Type 547, powers this Glockler-Porsche. It also drives the 550 Spyder according Road & Track.
RM Sotheby’s has not yet provided an estimate of the lot’s sale price. It might not be your cup of tea, but it is a rare opportunity to own an early Porsche-powered race car. It might be enough to spark a bidding war among Porsche enthusiasts because of its rarity.