Cars: World War II thwarted the destiny of a Porsche that ended up making history

The Porsche Type 64, a vehicle born from a planned propaganda race between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, ultimately had its destiny altered by the outbreak of World War II. In 1938, as Germany and Italy sought to project an image of strength and technological advancement, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to develop a special car for a race intended to link Berlin and Rome via newly constructed highways.

This project, intended as a political statement and a display of industrial power, aimed to showcase a "new era" of European mobility. Porsche, already leading the "people's car" project (the precursor to the Volkswagen Beetle), was tasked with creating a sporty version. The result was the Type 64, a lightweight aluminum coupé with a 1000cc boxer engine capable of speeds over 150 km/h, featuring an aerodynamic design with faired wheels and a sleek silhouette.

Only three units of the Type 64, also known as the Type 60 K10, were constructed in 1939. However, the planned Berlin-Rome race was canceled before it could take place when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, marking the beginning of the war. The three prototypes were subsequently hidden or used by engineers, with only one surviving in complete condition over the years.

After the war, the Porsche family recovered one of the Type 64 chassis. This restored vehicle is considered the direct ancestor of the first car to bear the Porsche name and is seen by many historians as the "missing link" between the original Volkswagen and the post-war Porsche 356 sports car. The surviving prototype has passed through various hands, been displayed in museums, and fetched high prices at auctions, its historical weight making it a unique piece for collectors and enthusiasts.