Vehicle Spotlight: 1951 Porsche 356 SL Gmund Coupe

1951 Porsche 356 SL Gmünd Coupe

One of the earliest sports cars to carry the Porsche name, Gmünd coupes, including the SL racing versions, were constructed out of hand-hammered aluminum. However, the SLs were modified to include louvered-steel quarter panels, wheel spats, streamlined aluminum belly fairings, and a pedestal-mounted shifter. Gmünd coupes competed for three years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where this example won first in class in 1951.

COURTESY OF EMORY MOTORSPORTS / CAMERON HEALY COLLECTION