At round four of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on May 3rd at Laguna Seca, the Porsche works team will show a historic Apple Computer-inspired livery. The special wrap is based on the Porsche 935 K3, which competed in major events in the 1980 season including the 24 hours of Le Mans. The one-time design of the two Porsche 963 celebrates two milestones happening in 2026: the 75th anniversary of Porsche Motorsport and 50 years since the founding of Apple

The original owner, Sid Ackert, an aerospace engineer at Hughes Aircraft, bought this Porsche directly from the factory- with special customized gear ratios and other custom items to his liking. Interestingly, Sid Ackert was friendly with Scooter Patrick, the renowned Porsche Race car driver and mechanic. In Germany at the time, Scooter drove the car from the factory to the dock heading for America. The car entered the U.S. through Hoffman Motors in New York, arriving in September of 1959, whereupon it was shipped to the West Coast and to Sid Ackert.

Sid Ackert eventually sold the car to a friend and associate, Justin Biddle, also an aerospace employee. In 1977 Justin Biddle sold the car to the current owner, Terry Sue Aikens, for $2,200. Seems that Justin  needed a family car and replaced his beloved Porsche with a Plymouth Volare Station Wagon that could accommodate his family.

Not garaged for many years, the car needed a lot of attention. Over the years of ownership and under the loving care of Terry Sue Aikens, the car has been slowly updated. Originally Silver, it was painted Auratium Green, (special order color (1957-1959) in 1985. The interior was redone as a wedding gift from Terry’s husband in Biscuit Leather, after Terry turned down her Fiance’s offer of a 1955 Chevy Gasser race car as his choice of a wedding gift.

This 1957 356A 1600s Coupe, refinished in rare, period-correct, Aquamarine Metallic over red leather, was the recipient of a major mechanical (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical) and bare-metal cosmetic restoration, completed in Spring 2024. It is a numbers-matching (including body panels) T2 Coupe per Kardex, with only three previous owners. The original engine was rebuilt to factory ‘S’ specifications. Only the floor was replaced. All brightwork was renewed or replaced and all metal was powder-coated.

One of the most collectible Porsche models among enthusiasts is the 356 A Speedster. Introduced in late 1954after Max Hoffman advised Porsche that a lower-cost, somewhat spartan open-top model could sell well in the American Market, the Speedster quickly became an icon. With its low raked windshield-removeable for weekend racing-bucket seats, and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant success, particularly in Southern California.

A total of 4,854 Speedsters were built between 1954 and 1958. The 356 A was followed by the 356 B from 1960 to 1963 and the final evolution of the series, the 356 C, from 1964 to 1965. This particular example was imported through Max Hoffman in New York. According to its Kardex, it was delivered from the Factory red with a beige interior and was optioned with a U.S.-specification speedometer and sealed-beam headlights. Although no paint code is listed on the Kardex, the car retains its original color designation.

This Speedster apparently spent its first two decades in New York, as it still wore New York license plates when it was purchased by the current owner in California in 1976. During the ensuring 50 years of ownership, it served as a daily driver, family hauler, and a vacation vehicle before eventually being parked due to an oil leak. In 1999, it was given a new lease on life through a restoration performed by noted Porsche specialist, John Willhoit.