Porsche No 1 at Pebble Beach

ATLANTA — The Porsche No. 1, revered by aficionados as the first real Porsche, will take center stage at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Porsche said. The two-seater open roadster features a mid-mounted, Volkswagen air-cooled flat-4 engine that produces a modest 40 horsepower at best.

Porsche had originally tried to get the car to California in 1998 for an appearance at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, but the car was damaged in transit. The one-of-a-kind Porsche was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche "after he searched and was unable to find the car of his dreams," according to the company.

The roadster weighs in at 1,290 pounds and has a top speed of between 84 and 87 mph. Most of the mechanicals are said to be derived from the Volkswagen Beetle, which was created by Ferry's father, Ferdinand. Interior details on the No. 1 include a bench seat to accommodate a third passenger, a dash with only a tachometer — a speedometer was added later — and a locking glovebox. The luggage compartment and fuel tank were located under the front hood.

Porsche said the No. 1 passed "through the hands of several owners." It was reacquired by the company and is set for display in the new museum next to the Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

What this means to you: You get a chance for an up-close-and-personal look at one of the rarest Porsches of all time. —