Before Singer’s amazing creations, before RWB’s wide bodies, before Magnus Walker officially made it cool to NOT be a typical Porsche guy, before TechArt, there was Uwe Gemballa.Gemballa Automobilinterieur GmbH was founded in 1981 by Uwe Gemballa, an engineer who started out creating bespoke interiors before developing a strong interest in aerodynamics and associated aftermarket products. Gemballa soon turned his attention to producing complete cars based on Porsche 911's and quickly gained a reputation for outrageous designs combined with wild performance.The Gemballa’s of the 80’s were radical creations with massive body kits and astounding interior customization.
The cars were unique with body air dam effect kits, upgraded wheels, interiors, gauges, paint, Hi-Fi audio systems, etc.Some vehicles even used cameras instead of mirrors, technology far ahead of its time. Audio company Pioneer used Gemballa vehicles in their advertisements and brochures for several years. The prices for these vehicles were often mentioned as being incredibly expensive for the time period at US $250K-$375K+. Robert Van Winkle, also known as Vanilla Ice, was a famous owner of Gemballa Porsches. In the 1990s Gemballa's body kits were more subtle compared to the 80s. They continued to perform engine modifications and opened up a US facility in California.
Death of Uwe Gemballa:On February 17, 2010, it was reported that Uwe Gemballa had gone missing inJohannesburg, South Africa while on a business trip.In October 2010, Uwe Gemballa was found shot dead, execution-style, in Atteridgeville, South Africa.Uwe Gemballa will always be best known for his high-powered, aggressively styled Porsche conversions, which he sold to the world’s wealthy and powerful.
The Car: Believed to be one of the only true Gemballa factory conversion cars made at the Gemballa Automobilinterieur GmbH plant in Leonburg, West Germany and subsequently, immediately imported to America in the 1983 with only 3 miles on the odometer.The car was imported to the USA by NB Automobile Styling of Krichroth, Germany.
This super-rare beauty is finished in Guards Red with custom Gemballa Pearl White Leather and white dash dials.A copy of the original broschure “Perfektion in Serie” Die Version 1 (the last 4 pictures in this ad) has been handed down with the car.In it are the distinctive air dam effects, European blinkers, bumbers and rear fog lite, as well as the custom Pearl White interior, white Gemballa dials and custom steering wheel with the swirl “G” logo in the center, distinguishing the car as a true Gemballa custom.
This Gemballa 911 SC Targa presents itself in original and excellent condition with 69,890k miles since new and represents an exceedingly rare opportunity to own a significant piece of automotive history from the 1980's.A true 1980's pin-up combining outstanding looks with ballistic performance this Gemballa would make a solid investment and a unique addition for both the most discerning and enlightened of collectors.
VIN# WP0ZZZ91ZDS140948
eBay did not recognize the VIN# as this was a vehicle built and customized in Germany and not imported by Porsche directly for the USA market. I personally have owned the vehicle since 1995 and have had it registered in Texas since then with no problems whatsoever registering it.
For further questions on the car, I can be contacted at 214 642 2548