Serial number 117307, a 1962 Porsche 356B, started its road life as a daily driver in Malibu, California. When John Mayer of Minnesota purchased this T-5 bodied coupe, as the third owner in October of 1989 it was a direct replacement for his then-current 1956 Speedster racer. John’s idea upon delivery was to create a purpose built racecar. The 1600-cc fully race-prepared engine was fitted with high compression pistons and heads, special grind crank, camshaft and rods. With all of this equaling a solid 165 horsepower, John turned to fit out the rest of the car for vintage racing through the VSCR group. This meant correct fuel cell, roll cage, fire system, disk brakes and the various strengthening of vital frame and suspension parts. John has been vintage racing since 1982 in the Speedster until 1989, when he replaced it with this black coupe affectionately called “Black Tub”.
Black Tub gets no rest as it races up to seven major events each year. The car goes fast at Mid-Ohio, Road America, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glenn, Blackhawk, Gingerman, Moroso, Sebring and Daytona. John also runs it at his local track in Brainerd, Minnesota. This is where I first saw the car and John filling it up after a qualifying run early one Saturday morning. The stunning black finish and the simplicity of the car’s image captivated me. John has avoided virtually all temptations to “sticker-up” the car. Much to his credit, it is a very smart looking racer and, I’m told, fast as the devil.
For Commissions, Originals & Prints, Contact:
Michael Jekot
jekot@bitstream.net
http://reconstructions.com/
(612) 940-3534
Original artwork on canvas, watercolors and limited edition prints.
Size: 36″ x 36″
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Completed: January 2005
