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, the marque's foundational model, began its journey in 1948, evolving from Ferdinand Porsche's dream of a lightweight, sporting car. While early production consisted primarily of coupes, the desire for open-top motoring led to various coachbuilt roadsters and cabriolets. The 1951 356 was a pivotal year, introducing the larger 1500cc engine, a significant upgrade from the earlier 1100cc and 1300cc units, marking a clear step towards enhanced performance and solidifying the 356's burgeoning reputation in motorsport. It was in this crucible of early development and racing ambition that unique creations, like this Sauter Roadster, emerged, pushing the boundaries of what a Porsche could be. This particular 1951 Porsche 356 Sauter Roadster stands as a truly singular piece of automotive history. Believed to be a one-of-one construction, it holds the distinction of being the first Porsche Roadster ever built and, notably, the very first 1500cc Porsche to compete in a race. Its significance is underscored by its status as one of the most historic Porsche racing cars in existence. Power comes from its period-correct 1500cc flat 4-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, offering an authentic driving experience. With just 5,314 miles on the odometer, this exceptional machine represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a foundational piece of Porsche's motorsport legacy.