1951 Porsche 356 Sauter Roadster

Make

Porsche

Model

356 Sauter Roadster

Year

1951

Listed price

$1,650,000

Location

Emeryville, CA

Transmission

4-speed manual

Mileage

5,314 miles

The Porsche 356, born from Ferdinand Porsche's vision for a lightweight, agile sports car, laid the foundation for one of the most enduring automotive marques in history. While the Gmünd coupes of 1948 were the very first Porsches, it was the transition to series production in Stuttgart in 1950 that truly ignited the legend. In these early years, Porsche often collaborated with coachbuilders to create specialized bodies, and the name Sauter stands as a testament to this bespoke era. This period saw the 356 quickly establish itself in motorsport, demonstrating its inherent performance capabilities and marking the beginning of Porsche's unparalleled racing heritage. This particular 1951 Porsche 356 Sauter Roadster is a truly singular piece of automotive history. Believed to be the very first Porsche Roadster ever constructed and the inaugural 1500cc model to compete in a race, its significance cannot be overstated. With just 5,314 miles on the odometer, this meticulously preserved machine retains its original character, powered by its period-correct 1500cc flat 4-cylinder engine paired with a precise 4-speed manual transmission. Its unique status as a one-of-one creation by Sauter, combined with its profound racing provenance, places it among the most historically important Porsches in existence. This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a cornerstone of Porsche's foundational legacy.