A Rare 1960 Volkswagen Porsche Kaiserslautern Coupe
In a quiet corner of automotive history stands a singular creation from Dylan Miles: a 1960 Volkswagen Porsche Kaiserslautern coupe, produced in only one known copy. This remarkable vehicle traces its roots to the era when German engineering met handbuilt craftsmanship, yielding a prototype that still sparks curiosity among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The design draws directly from the 1958 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a model celebrated for its clean lines and balanced chassis. The Porsche 356 shared propulsion components with this project, contributing the engine and transmission that powered the car along an evolving road of experimentation. The bodywork is the result of meticulous hand construction, combining steel for structural integrity with aluminum for the bonnet and boot lid to save weight and enhance performance characteristics. The result is a silhouette that speaks to a time when small teams of artisans could push a car beyond conventional limits.
Historically, four unit bodies were produced for this particular project, each retaining its own original shellwork. The initiative involved students from the Meisterschule ffcr Handwerker Kaiserslautern, a German institute known for nurturing practical skills in crafts and engineering. Their collaboration bridged academic training with real-world automotive curiosity, leaving behind a tangible artifact of educational experimentation and creative problem solving.
Since 1992, the vehicle has resided in the United States. Today it rests in a state of neglect and requires a full restoration to return to its former visual and mechanical condition. Despite its condition, the owner has placed a price tag of 65,000 pounds, a figure reflecting the vehicle’s rarity, historical value, and the potential a restored example would offer to collectors and museums alike.
For enthusiasts tracking the car’s journey, its story is occasionally shared through niche car publications and enthusiast networks. The narrative of this Kaiserslautern coupe highlights the tension between preservation and decay that many rare automobiles face when crossing international borders and changing hands over decades.
In the broader context of 20th-century automotive design, this project stands as a vivid reminder of how small teams and ambitious students could fuse proven mechanicals with innovative bodywork. It also underscores how a single vehicle can become a focal point for discussions about restoration ethics, historical interpretation, and the value of one-of-a-kind engineering quests.