LOT 166
1961 Porsche Sabel MK1 Prototype Chassis no. 001
Estimate: US$150,000 - US$200,000
Lot 166
1961 Porsche Sabel MK1 Prototype
1961 Porsche Sabel MK1 Prototype
Chassis no. 001
Chassis no. 001
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Air Cooled Engine
2 Solex PII 40 Carburetors
Approx. 85bhp
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*A beautiful Porsche-based special
*Designed and built by John Sabel in the early 1960s
*The first of approximately 30 Sabel bodies produced
*Retained by John Sabel and debuted at the 1964 Hershey Hillclimb
*Raced in SCCA events throughout the late 1960s
*Second Place in the 1967 SCCA Runoffs D/SR Class
*Fastidiously and faithfully restored, and still raced with great fervor
*Accompanying VSCCA Logbook
*Participated at the 2015 Rennsport Reunion V at Laguna Seca
*Homologated for track use and sold on a Bill of Sale
THE SABEL-PORSCHE MK1
The early 1960s was a fruitful period for car builders of all types in the USA. An abundant supply of affordable sports cars was on the open market, and the proliferation of fiberglass as a body-making material meant that virtually anyone could build a car body without needing specialized metal working skills. Of course, some products of this boom were more successful than others, with the likes of Devin among the best known, producing beautiful, Italianate bodies for a wide variety of chassis.
Perhaps lesser known but still equally worthy of recognition is John Sabel, creator of the beautifully proportioned Sabel-Porsche Mk 1. Having grown up in car-crazy California, Sabel developed an affinity for Volkswagen and Porsche cars, and after completing his military service and relocating to Maryland, he set about creating his own racing car. Starting with a 1952 Volkswagen floorpan, Sabel added the front and rear suspension, engine, gearbox, from a Porsche 356, while the brakes and wheels reportedly came from a 550 Spyder. With the chassis sorted, he then designed a striking, low-slung body, building the plug, molds, and laying the fiberglass in his garage. The result is a sleek and svelte body, pulled taut over the wheels, with elements of Lister, Cooper, and Devin, but with a character of its own.
Sabel debuted his eponymous racer at the 1964 Hershey Hillclimb, later running the Duryea Hillclimb using a borrowed Porsche Speedster engine. The car garnered enough attention that Sabel managed to sell approximately 30 bodies, but serial number 1 remained in his care until 1966, when he sold the car to Ralph 'Bud' Williams. Mr. Williams continued to race the car, fitting a more powerful (but heavier) Chevrolet Corvair flat-six. It proved to be competitive, as the following year, Williams earned enough points to qualify for the American Road Race of Champions at Daytona, ultimately taking 2nd place in the hotly contested D/SR class.
As life got in the way of racing, Ralph Williams and the Sabel tapered on-track activities. He sold it in 1968 to Richard Williams (no relation) who qualified for the 1969 SCCA Runoffs but was unable to attend the event. It was sold in 1970 to Gordon Kerr, who put the car into storage, where it remained for 34 years, largely forgotten.
In 2004, Sean Kalil discovered the Sabel, with the full intention of restoring it to its former glory. Unfortunately, an illness forced its sale, and it passed through IMSA racer Chuck Goldborough before coming into the care of Michael Ballo, who finally treated this beautiful little machine to the restoration it deserved. To handle the project, Ballo entrusted Pennsylvania-based specialists Dawe's Motorsports Developments. While a bit tired, and still running the Corvair engine fitted in the 1960s, the Sabel-Porsche was largely complete and a great basis for restoration.
John Sabel was living in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and his historical input and intimate knowledge proved invaluable in restoring this marvelous car to its former glory. The resurrection included fully restoring the floor pan chassis, installation of a fresh 356 engine on Solex carburetors, and a beautiful refinish in metallic maroon with silver wheels and cream accents. The quality of the restoration is first rate, with photos documenting the fastidious detail that went into every aspect of the project.
The restoration was completed just in the nick of time for the Sabel to make its debut at the 2014 Hershey Grand Ascent Hillclimb – 50 years after the car's inaugural run! It was also showcased at the 2015 Rennsport Reunion V at Laguna Seca.
Acquired by the current owner in 2016, it was sent to GasWerks Garage who meticulously went through the car mechanically to ensure its performance and reliability. The works carried out included a rebuild of the engine to ensure it ran smoothly and produced maximum horsepower. The suspension was updated and tuned to ensure optimal handling. A new clutch was also fitted. For the purposes of racing, lightweight Techno Magnesio Wheels were fitted and a complete race set up was carried out to ensure proper preparation for racing.
The vehicle comes with a VSCCA logbook and has participated in numerous prestigious motorsport events such Lime Rock Historics, Mt. Equinox Hill Climb and several VSCCA Race including The Empire Cup. Additionally, the vehicle is also eligible for the Monterey Historics, making it a prime candidate for some of the most renowned historic events across the country.
Arguably one of the prettiest fiberglass specials of the period, the Sabel-Porsche Mk1 is also a formidable and proven on-track competitor. Now beautifully restored to its original glory, it represents a one-off opportunity to acquire a competitive, turn key ready to race and distinctive sports racer with a fascinating history.
Footnotes
Sold on Bill of Sale
Additional information
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