America Roadster 12363

Chassis 12363 – Other than the Kardex information, the earliest documentation found on this AR begins in Chicago about 1959.  A gentleman by the name of Jerry Vondracek was driving his VW through town one day when he spotted a Porsche that interested him.  He followed the car for several blocks until he gained an opportunity to speak with the driver.  Imagine the surprise when Jerry found this unique vehicle filled with bananas.  It took three weeks of talking but eventually Vondracek was able to convince the fruit peddler that the car deserved better than to be used as a delivery wagon.

Jerry ended up trading a good running Speedster for the basket case America Roadster.  Due to its prior usage, not only had the silver paint and interior been allowed to deteriorate, but also much of the original hardware was missing.  Nevertheless, friends remember that Jerry took great pride in the AR and threw himself full speed into an extensive restoration.  At the time he was working at a VW dealership and he was therefore able to do a lot of the restoration himself.  The hard work paid off and in 1961, 12363 took first place at the VI Parade winning the equivalent of the Manhattan trophy.  The car certainly must have been attractive because a commercial photographer, who specialized in Porsches, enjoyed capturing the car on film several times.

Needing money to finance the purchase of a motorcycle dealership, Jerry sold the car to another Chicago area resident by the name of Wally Schrepfer.  Later Schrepfer was transferred overseas and the car sat for many years in a Midwest barn.  When he returned to the states Wally wasn’t particularly interested in selling the car, but he was made an offer he couldn't turn down.

Other Chassis Numbers:
10455     10465     10469     12312     12317     12322     12323     12324
12336     12337     12345     12353     12361     12362     12363     12364     12371