The Rarest of the Rare

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For the true Porsche collector there is a short list of must have cars. Depending on your age, preference and taste the list may include anything from a recent example of the Carrera GT to an early 550 Spyder. However, there is but one car that represents the very spirit and romance of the Porsche success story. The Gmund 356.

I won’t go into a full history of the Gmund 356 in this post, but it is believed that there were a total of 47 units produced between 1948 and 1950. Four Gmund coupes were built in 1948. Twenty-five were produced in 1949 and 18 were produced in 1950. This brings the total number of cars produced to 51. Broken down, there were 43 coupes and 8 cabriolets (47 production units + 1 prototype Porsche Gmund No. 1 + three race cars).

1949 Porsche Gmund 356 For Sale

Today, there are seven Gmunds accounted for in private collections and the Porsche Museum. It is thought that there may be another 10 or so cars in varying states of repair and restoration in Europe and the rest of the world. By my math that means this car is one of possibly 17 remaining in existence and is currently for sale.

Features of the 1949 Gmund 356 Coupe #45

chassis #45
motor #43
body #35

The coupe’s most distinctive feature is its split windshield. It has mechanical brakes and is powered by an 1100 cc, 40 horsepower air-cooled engine, with two Solex carburetors. The Gmund features original chrome and upholstery, which gives it just the right patina. The engine has been rebuilt and the car has been repainted in its original color (based on an original early paint sample).

Of the Porsche Gmunds known to be in existence, there are two with higher serial numbers: 055 now in the Porsche Museum and 057 in the United States. Three of the Gmund coupes were given serial numbers in different order because they were adapted for racing.

If you’re interested in this car, I suggest you act quickly. A car this rare will move fast and unfortunately, given today’s market conditions it’s very possible it will end up in Europe. Wouldn’t it be great for this car to remain in the US? At least then I could go and look at it once and a while.

If you are interested in learning more about the car or simply want to view more pictures, take a look at the listing at The Road Scholars.

[Source: Excellence Was Expected, The Road Scholars, Excellence The Magazine About Porsches]