1962 Devin D Porsche Spyder

1,720cc OHV Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-Choke 40mm IDF Weber Carburetors
120bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*1 of just 46 Devin Ds produced
*Rare factory built example
*Extensive, documented restoration by Porsche specialists
*Featured in Classic Porsche Magazine #67

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The early example offered here is the work of Devin Enterprises of El Monte, California, USA, a company that produced glassfibre kit-car bodies, as well as complete vehicles, from 1955 to 1964. Introduced in 1958, the Devin D featured a new body style and was built on a ladder-type chassis. The front suspension of transverse torsion bars and trailing links was from Volkswagen, while single coil-over dampers and trailing arms were used at the rear. Customers could choose either Volkswagen or Porsche engines. In its day a complete Devin D kit, less the stock VW or Porsche components sold for $1495. A complete factory assembled car with standard VW 1192cc engine retailed for $2950 and with a Porsche 1600cc engine for $3350. Devin D production is estimated at just 46 cars.

DD9-17 is a rare factory built Devin D which was originally delivered to the King Motor Company in Southern California in 1962. This car was one of a small number of factory assembled Devin D's and has been subject to an extensive restoration process, the result of which has arguably made it one of the most beautiful and finest examples in existence anywhere today. DD9-17 is powered by a Porsche 912 based motor which has been rebuilt and upgraded reputably by legendary Porsche engine builder the late Duane Spencer. The engine features SHASTA DESIGN 86mm x 9.25 forged pistons and now displaces 1720cc. Induction is handled by dual Italian 40mm IDF Webers. A sports camshaft and lightened flywheel are part of the engine spec's. Exhaust is via 4 into 1 into 2 merged stainless steel headers. The car has also been converted to 12-volt. The 912 based motor is very tractable with an estimated 120hp and is a strong performer in a vehicle which according to factory specs weights just 1180lb (535kg).
DD9-17 like all Devin D's is equipped with a VW swing axle gearbox. The original non-synchro VW gearbox has been replaced by a later rebuilt full synchro unit. All Devin D's feature Volkswagen front suspension of transverse torsion bars and trailing links. Damping is handled by coil-over-shock absorbs on all four corners. The rear trailing arm suspension is an in-house Devin design. Braking is handled by refurbished Porsche 356 B drum brakes which provide more than ample stopping power in such a light weight car.
Prior to undertaking an extensive restoration, a thorough investigation of DD9-17's fiberglass body, drivetrain and factory tube chassis failed to find any evidence that vehicle had sustained any significant accident damage or had been tracked and that fiberglass body was in remarkable condition given the vehicles age. That said body was fully stripped and underwent an extensive restoration process covering bodywork and new paint. (photos available) The car now features fresh Porsche Boxster silver paint with a billet like finish. A speedster type screen has now replaced the original windscreen and in the interests of safety a driver's roll bar and 4-point seat belts installed. The original windscreen frame, rare removable soft top roof, support bows and side windows come with the car. The car's interior has been subject to a full refurbishment. Seats have been rebuilt and reupholstered in red leatherette style material, with new red German square weave matching carpets. DD9-17 features a genuine rare Porsche 356 B Carrera 160mph speedometer. All other gauges are reproduction Porsche 356 gauges from respected North Hollywood Speedometer. Billet switch gear is inlayed in a genuine NOS dash panel. A 360mm Nardi Volante steering wheel finishes the period interior. Noteworthy, DD9-17 still has its first service sticker removed and preserved from the inside of the driver's door dated September 1962. The owner also has a scanned page from the Bill Devin's log book showing DD9-17 delivered to the King Motor Company. This was provided to the owner by the person who acquired the assets from the late Bill Devin's estate. DD9-17 also comes with numerous period magazines, brochures and other memorabilia covering Bill Devin, Devin Enterprises and Devin cars with particular focus on the Devin D.

Very few factory built Devin D's were delivered in the late fifties/early sixties and even less survive today. These cars are now being sought after by collectors and historic racers, being eligible for several vintage race categories. This car harks back to what many consider the golden era of American sports cars and specials.