4 replies to this topic

[Gregory Campbell]

I am the owner of a 1955 Porsche 356 speedster (serial #80356) which was rebodied with an early Devin fiberglass body in the late fifties.  I have traced the ownership backwards to George Yokoi in the mid 60’s, and Bruce Kodata in the early 60’s.  Both of these folks lived in the San Francisco area.  I have spoken with George but have not found Bruce.  I understand that Bruce did not race the car but that the previous owner did compete with it.  The car had a roll bar, racing seat belt and came with 2 engines, one being a roller crank racing engine.

 

 

 

There were several external features which may help distinguish this Devin Porsche from other Devins:

·      Red color

·      Roll hoop for driver only

·      Drivers door only

·      Dash pod on drivers side only

·      Hump on rear engine lid to allow for the fan shroud

·      The body pre-dates the Devin D which had a higher rear area to clear the fan shroud

 

There were a couple of other Porsche Chassis-ed Devins in the California area at the time.  My car is not the Richard Boon / Motor Trend cover car (although it is very similar) and it is not the car that Clark Smith owns.

 

I would like to document the early history of this car.  If you have information or photos you think may help please contact me.

[Gregory Campbell]

I have a possible lead on the history of my car.  Dave Skilling is listed as a driver of a FM Porsche Special in several races in 1958 and 1959 in the San Francisco area.  In particular he had car #82 at Laguna in June 1958 and car #70 at Riverside in July 1959.  Does anyone know anything about Dave Skilling or his Porsche Special?

[raceannouncer2003]

Maybe try Allen Kuhn.  Here is his website:

 

http://www.vintage-s...s.com/index.php

 

Vince H.

[275 GTB-4]

I am the owner of a 1955 Porsche 356 speedster (serial #80356) which was rebodied with an early Devin fiberglass body in the late fifties.  I have traced the ownership backwards to George Yokoi in the mid 60’s, and Bruce Kodata in the early 60’s.  Both of these folks lived in the San Francisco area.  I have spoken with George but have not found Bruce.  I understand that Bruce did not race the car but that the previous owner did compete with it.  The car had a roll bar, racing seat belt and came with 2 engines, one being a roller crank racing engine.
 

 
 
There were several external features which may help distinguish this Devin Porsche from other Devins:
·      Red color
·      Roll hoop for driver only
·      Drivers door only
·      Dash pod on drivers side only
·      Hump on rear engine lid to allow for the fan shroud
·      The body pre-dates the Devin D which had a higher rear area to clear the fan shroud
 
There were a couple of other Porsche Chassis-ed Devins in the California area at the time.  My car is not the Richard Boon / Motor Trend cover car (although it is very similar) and it is not the car that Clark Smith owns.
 
I would like to document the early history of this car.  If you have information or photos you think may help please contact me.

Lovely machine...and lots of storage space under the hood   

 

What is the device poking through the nose aperture? an A Bar for flat towing? Hillclimb Post mount?

[Gregory Campbell]

275 GTB-4, I think you are correct it is a tow bar attachment.  This picture was taken in the 70's and it had already been removed when I got the car.

 

There is actually very little space under the front hood.  The body is so low and the inner steel 356 structure is so high.