A rusty 1950s Porsche hidden for 45 years that doesn’t even work is valued at £500,000
Once one of Porsche's top sports cars, this rusty Coupe hasn't been driven in almost half a century - but it's so rare that experts predict it will sell for half a million pounds
A RUSTY old Porsche described as one of the most exciting discoveries in recent years is set to sell for £500,000 - and it doesn't even work.
The Porsche 356A 1500 GS Carrera Coupe helped bridge the gap between the company's sports vehicles and racing cars when it debuted in 1955.
But this 1957 model hasn't been driven for 45 years after its brakes failed a safety inspection in the early 1970s.
Hidden away in a car port ever since, the historic motor has now emerged for sale with US auctioneers Gooding & Co, and it still doesn't run.
The car's original engine was removed and taken apart, and after the best part of half-a-century of neglect, the bodywork and wheels are covered in rust.
Despite its run down condition, the motor is expected to attract plenty of interest at auction.
The US auction house has described it as "certainly one of the most exciting barn-find discoveries in recent memory", giving it a guide price of half a million pounds ahead of its sale on March 9 at Amelia Island, Florida.
The car is being sold with the original engine, which will need to be rebuilt - but will be capable of relatively impressive figures if it gets back to working order.
Once up and running, the 1.5-litre engine is capable of producing 100bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.
According to factory records, the 1500 GS Coupe was completed on July 4, 1957, and finished in silver metallic with black leatherette upholstery.
It had numerous owners, covering almost 53,000 miles, until 1973 when it was parked up in a US car port and left for decades.
The original interior is generally well-preserved despite being 60 years old.
David Brynan, Gooding & Company senior specialist and Porsche expert, said: "This was Porsche's top of the line road car and one of the most exotic sports cars of the 1950s.
"They have always been sought after, so most have been restored at least once.
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"To find a car that hasn't been seen in 40 years, and that retains so much original character is virtually unheard of.
"Hidden away for decades and possessing a fantastic history, this unrestored, matching-numbers 1500 GS Carrera is certainly one of the most exciting barn-find discoveries in recent memory.
"This is truly an opportunity not to be missed for the collector who has longed to own a genuine and noteworthy example of Porsche's legendary four cam."