1964 Porsche 901 Cabriolet prototype
- Engine
- 2.0L air-cooled flat-six, SOHC, Solex carburettors, 130 bhp
- Colour
- Signal Red
Chassis 13360 is the sole open-top 901 cabriolet prototype ever constructed and the second-oldest surviving example of the car that became the Porsche 911. Built from a 1963–1964 factory prototype coupe, it was sent to Karosserie Karmann in 1964 to have its roof removed and its structure reinforced, before returning to the factory for extensive testing. When engineering challenges proved too great for a production timeline, the project was abandoned in favour of what became the Targa. The prototype was eventually sold out of factory storage in 1967, passed through private hands, and appeared at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance during the 911's fiftieth-anniversary celebrations. It retains its original Signal Red paintwork and black leatherette interior.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €649,600 (≈ $715K)
- 1964 → 1967Factory deliveryPorsche (factory)full documentation
Built as a prototype, sent to Karmann for open-top conversion, returned for factory testing, then placed in storage after the project was abandoned in favour of the Targa concept.
- 1967 → 2001Private saleManfred Freisingerpartial documentation
German collector and racing driver based in Karlsruhe who negotiated with the factory to preserve the prototype from destruction; the car remained in his workshops for several decades.
- 2001 → 2014Private saleMyron Vernispartial documentation
Acquired the car in exchange for a 356 B Carrera GS; had the flat-six engine rebuilt and mechanical systems brought into working order, but deliberately left the bodywork and interior in the original unrestored state.
- 2014 →Private saleBritish sports car enthusiastpartial documentation
Kept the car in the same condition as acquired, acknowledging its historical significance as the sole 901 cabriolet prototype.
Competition
- 20132013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Displayed as part of the celebrations marking the 911's 50th anniversary, while in the ownership of Myron Vernis.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1964ModificationKarosserie Karmann
The prototype coupe body was converted to an open configuration by Karosserie Karmann, which removed the roof structure and carried out structural reinforcement of the chassis.
Work was commissioned by Porsche as part of the factory cabriolet development programme.
- —Engine rebuild
A period-correct 2-litre flat-six engine with an early case number was fitted and rebuilt, and the remaining running gear was brought into good working order.
Carried out under Myron Vernis's ownership; the body and interior were intentionally left untouched.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.