Though I have not found conclusive documentation, 908-019 was apparently a Factory entry, driven by Jochen Neerpasch and
Rudi Lins, at the Austrian GP at Zeltweg on August 25th, 1968. Wearing number 4, it failed to finish because of a crash.
In 1974, along with chassis number 908-018, 908-019 was sold by Porsche to
Alan Hamilton in Australia. Hamilton also obtained from Porsche a
Type 908 motor, s/n 908-02-015, and a correct type 916 gearbox.
By the late-1970s, 908-019 was fully functional again and had been
fitted with a street muffler. It was in fact registered for road
use and was road-tested for an Australian magazine ("Wheels"). The article
appeared in July of 1980.
In
1982, 908-019 was sold to Winston Kim, who was also located in
Australia. In August of 1984, through Kim Delaney in Rowville,
Australia, 908-019 was offered for sale. Shortly thereafter, in
October of 1984, the car was sold to Ernst Schuster in Germany.
Schuster then had it restored and had existing FIA paperwork
updated to reflect his ownership.
More recently, 908-019 was sold
to Brad Hook, an American, who has used the car at the Le Mans Classic
and at the Monterey Historic Races. It is in exceptional
condition and is absolutely correct and authentic.
I believe it
to be one of only three 908K Coupes, along with 908-007 and
908-018, with a documented and continuous history. As far as
I know, it has never been damaged. It is, to my eye, the most
beautiful Porsche racing prototype ever built. It is also much
rarer than a 917 and is very usable. It has long-standing FIA
papers.
