Maybe not the first time showing at Pebble Beach, but definitely a first for appearing together. This evening’s gathering of the first production Lamborghini, a pair of Duesenberg Model A, and two notable Porsche 901/911 sports cars marked a fine start to the weekend of automotive regalia ahead.
The first production Lamborghini – a 1963 350 GTV Coupé (s/n 00001) owned by Dr. Albert Spiess and his wife Rita from Switzerland. The prize bull was transported all the way from Pfäffikon, Switzerland. Originally, Lamborghini hired Franco Scaglione to do the coachwork design and ex-Ferrari engineer, Giotto Bizzarini to build a new quad-cam 12-cylinder engine.
Rita Spiess poses with her 1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV Coupe
1921 Duesenberg Model A Bender Coupe (chassis# 601) owned by James Castle Jr. from Monterey. This is the first production Duesenberg and features a custom body by Bender. It is also the first to be capable of 100 mph and the first to have hydraulic brakes.
The Model A was an important car in the company’s history, as it was the first passenger vehicle to bear the Duesenberg name. Building on their success in racing and engine manufacture, a prototype Model A was introduced in November of 1920. Production would not hit full steam until 1922. This new model would be the company’s first mass produced vehicle with a straight eight engine.
1922 Duesenberg Model A Fleetwood Phaeton owned by Ronald and Sandra Hansen.
Third version of Model A of which only about 50 were produced. Essentially, this Model A was a barn find that was bought four years ago. It has been a four year project with an investment of nearly 12,000 man hours by 7 craftsman get this Model A ready for Pebble Beach Concours.
1963 Porsche 901/911 Prototype Coupe that defined the first generation – and many following generations – of 911s. It has the same 2.0L flat 6 power plant used by 911s of today, albeit with modern technology and improvements.
1964 Porsche 901/911 Karmann Cabriolet Targa Prototype was saved from the crusher in 1966. It was put in storage for 35 years and then traded to its current owner in 2001. You can see where they cut the struts for the targa roll bar.
