The first car that Porsche ever built, before it was even Porsche, was the Type 64, also known as the VW Aerocoupe. The car is a highly streamlined racer developed out of a desire to dominate the Berlin-Rome long-distance race, and the only pre-war Porsche. And it's on display right now in Atlanta's High Museum of Art as part of the "Allure of the Automobile" display.
The display in Atlanta marks the first time the car has ever been exhibited outside of Germany. Whether you're a Porsche fan or not, any gearhead within driving distance should make the visit for the sheer historical value. Built in 1938-39, the car represents the genesis of the entire Porsche line.
For the time, the car was quite quick, reaching speeds up to 81 mph on open roads--roads not quite up to the standards we expect today.
Also on display is a 1953 Porsche 550 Le Mans/Le Carrera Panamericana coupe, on loan from the Collier Collection out of Florida. So why is Porsche exhibiting these cars, other than a love of the past? To celebrate the brand's 60th year of business in the U.S.
The exhibit also features cars from Bugatti, Duesenberg, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Tucker, Ferrari, Pierce-Arrow, Packard and more, spanning the range from the 1930s to the 1960s.
The cars will be on display now through June 20.
