To be sold at Broad Arrow's Quail Auction August 2026: One of one constructed, first Porsche roadster, and first 1500 to race, one of the most Historic Porsche racing cars in the world. The 1951 Porsche 356 Sauter Roadster boasts a unique history, with a one-of-a-kind hand-built roadster design and numerous racing victories.

The Sauter Roadster was constructed in 1951, with industrialist Heinrich Sauter commissioning the fabrication of a roadster body based on drawings penned by Edwin Komenda. Sauter purchased chassis #10359 from Porsche and arranged for delivery to Hans Klenk Karosserie, where a hand-formed steel roadster body was created, lowered 3 inches and fitted to the 356 platform.

The final design was quite advanced, featuring lightweight construction, rear-hinged doors, louvered hood vents, and a streamlined fender design. The car was completed in six months and prepared for its first race, the Eifelrennen on the Nürburgring in Spring 1951.

The Sauter 356 Roadster went on to participate in several notable races, including the Freiburg-Schauinsland Hillclimb, the Liege-Rome-Liege Rallye, and the Nürburgring. Although the car was not able to finish the Eifelrennen, it was considered a success, leading the first lap and completing the second-fastest qualifying lap.

The Sauter Roadster's legacy extends beyond its racing history, as it inspired Porsche to develop their own roadster designs. The car's pioneering aspects, including its 1,500 cc engine and roadster configuration, made it a design and performance success, earning it the affectionate nickname 'The Little Tank'.

The 1951 Porsche 356 Sauter Roadster features a 1,500 cc air-cooled 4-cylinder engine, a 4-speed manual gearbox, and a Fish Scale Silver exterior with a Red interior. The car has undergone a concours-quality restoration by Porsche specialists and currently has 5,314 kilometers on the odometer.