Porsche agreed and started production, but soon realized the aluminum construction was just too expensive, so after building 16 aluminum-bodied units in 1952, Porsche discontinued them soon after. Despite the short run, the America Roadster was a racing success. Chassis No. 12336 was driven by Josie von Neumann after her stepfather John Crean purchased it. Throughout the ’50s, she consistently beat other European models and helped to cement the brand’s racing pedigree here in the US.
Over time, this model eventually made its way into the hands of Bob Ingram, his wife Jeanie, and their sons Rory and Cam in 2009 as a part of their impressive Porsche collection which features cars like a 356 Coupe, 906, Carrera 6, 356 B Carrera GTL Abarth, and many a 911. From there, an extensive nut and bold restoration began in 2018 that took seven months and led to the vehicle taking 3rd in its class at the Pebble Beach Concours.