A labor of love becomes the 34th vehicle honored in the registry.
In another huge achievement for Porsche's 75th anniversary, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation has announced that the 1952 Porsche America Roadster (Chassis No. 12336) will be inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register. The announcement was made at the 75th Anniversary Broad Arrow Group Porsche auction.
The registry is the only federally recognized program to document the historical and cultural significance of the automobile, even if an American manufacturer doesn't build the model. Along these lines, it joins vehicles such as the 1966 Volkswagen Transporter van, the 1985 Modena Spyder California, and a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL. It's the 34th vehicle to receive this honor.
The Porsche America Roadster isn't technically a Speedster but was the direct predecessor of the Speedster. It was created thanks to famed New York importer and part creator of the Porsche crest, Max Hoffman, and celebrated So Cal racer and driver John von Neumann. They insisted the brand needed a lightweight convertible that could compete with Jaguar and Austin-Healey in various racing series in America.
Porsche agreed and started production, but soon realized the aluminum construction was just too expensive, so after building 16 aluminum-bodied units in 1952, Porsche discontinued them soon after. Despite the short run, the America Roadster was a racing success. Chassis No. 12336 was driven by Josie von Neumann after her stepfather John Crean purchased it. Throughout the '50s, she consistently beat other European models and helped to cement the brand's racing pedigree here in the US.
Over time, this model eventually made its way into the hands of Bob Ingram, his wife Jeanie, and their sons Rory and Cam in 2009 as a part of their impressive Porsche collection which features cars like a 356 Coupe, 906, Carrera 6, 356 B Carrera GTL Abarth, and many a 911. From there, an extensive nut and bold restoration began in 2018 that took seven months and led to the vehicle taking 3rd in its class at the Pebble Beach Concours.
“Having the America Roadster added to the National Historic Vehicle Register and documented for perpetuity on the anniversary of Porsche is an enormous honor, ” said Rory Ingram. “Of all of the significant Porsches, we feel this is a fitting example for the Register. This is a tough year to have lost our dad, and to honor his legacy with the celebration of this important car and document Porsche heritage in the US in our father's honor is a great distinction.”
In celebration, the vehicle will be on display this September on the National Mall in a special case during the Foundation's annual “Cars at the Capital” celebration.
It will join Amelia Earhart's 1937 Cord which is being inducted as the 33rd vehicle into the registry, which is pretty esteemed company, that's for sure.
“Porsches have long captivated auto enthusiasts in the United States – and while there are many tremendous examples, this is a great place to see where that influential history began in the US,” said Casey Maxon, senior manager of heritage for the Hagerty Drivers Foundation. “The car's unique tie to Max Hoffman, as well as John and Josie von Neumann, make it a fantastic example to document and preserve Porsche's story in the Library of Congress for future generations to learn about,”
Interestingly enough, this induction comes a week after the Porsche 356 SL that won Le Mans for the company in 1951 made its trek back to La Sarthe. That vehicle spent much of its life in the US, with its history erased after John von Neumann decided to chop it up and turn it into a bright red America Roadster/Speedster. It probably seemed like a good idea at the time, but it makes you wonder what vehicles we take for granted today will one day be considered a national treasure like this 1952 Porsche America Roadster.
Keyword: Porsche America Roadster Becomes The 34th Vehicle Inducted Into The National Historic Vehicle Register