Location: Santa Monica, California

$62,700 USD | Sold

Gemballa Automobil Interieur was founded in the late 1970s by Uwe Gemballa from Leonberg, near Stuttgart in Germany. Uwe started with VWs, but soon ventured into the world of Porsche. As the company’s name suggests, their specialty was interiors and that's what built their reputation. Gemballa's interiors were among the best, if not THE best available in the 1980s. European automobiles from Porsche to Mercedes-Benz, BMW and even Rolls-Royce received new interiors. The Gemballa interiors weren't just known for their leather, as they also typically can be found with the latest electronic gadgets on-board such as digital instruments, TVs and the latest in audio technology.

In addition to interiors, Gemballa also did some very impressive complete conversions, mainly on Porsche cars. To be able to fund the time and money consuming one-off cars that were built to customer-specifications, Gemballa also had a parts program, mainly for the Porsche 911, 944 and 928 models. These included simple trim upgrades for the interior and new bumpers, spoilers, and body moldings for the exterior. When a Gemballa Porsche was ordered it was completely stripped down, repainted it and re-bodied with body moldings, custom interior, audio and minor tuning done at RUF whom was down the road.

This particular Gemballa 911 Carrera Coupe is one of three examples reportedly sold through its Los Angeles distributor before Gemballa filed for bankruptcy. The other five were sold through Gemballa Miami. When a Gemballa was ordered by the client each car would have to be flown in by plane. Of the three cars ordered through Los Angeles, one went to Michael Jackson, the actor Robert Redford, who totaled his car in an accident, and Dr. Edwin Edillon, the original owner of this example. Included with this car is original sales brochure from Gemballa, the original books with stamps, all factory stereo manuals for upgrades executed by Gemballa, original import documentation showing the car was flown in by plane, and a copy of the title showing the original owner’s name.

Very few authentic Gemballas exist today and this is one of the lowest mileage unmolested cars known to exist. The pre-bankruptcy Gemballas are said to be the hardest and most sought after cars because they were so expensive to build as so much went into each car that it ultimately caused their financial demise. This car was recently serviced and has a new clutch, including records to document the work. It presents in virtually like new condition and the 24-karat gold gilded wheels look though as they did when they were finished by Gemballa in the ‘80s. As the Gemballa name has recently become resurrected with today marques, this example presents a rare opportunity to become a part in an emerging market of ‘80s collector cars that is increasingly popular as of late.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca14/lots/r0412-1984-porsche-911-carrera-32-gemballa/