1957 Rometsch Beeskow

This beautiful three-seat convertible was hand-crafted by Rometsch Karosserie in Berlin and is named after its designer, Johannes Beeskow. These cars were produced between 1950 and 1957, and were considered the 'Volkswagen for high society.' The very first one was sold to the King of Sweden, and others were driven by celebrities such as Victor de Kowa, Gregory Peck, and Audrey Hepburn. The aluminum-bodied sports car was never officially blessed by Wolfsburg, and, in fact, Volkswagen refused to supply the long-established coachbuilders with the rolling chassis and other parts needed, so they were forced to buy complete Volkswagens through their 50 employees. This example has had three owners since new, in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. It was restored in 2000 in Great Britain.

These were not kit cars, competing with Porsche who used independents like Beutler, Reutter and Tatra to build their cars. The Rometsch Beeskow production would match Porsche quality, or better it, but after nearly 200 cars over seven years, the doors were closed. Regrettably, Volkswagen cut off the supply of engines and chassis wishing to make its life, and Porsche's easier.