1953 Porsche Phoenix

The Phoenix was a complete and running one-off prototype of a Brooks Stevens-designed car. It was used to demonstrate to investors and to engineering staff all aspects of the working automobile. It featured production casting for the unique suspension, handmade trim in multiple areas, sophisticated stampings in the platform and framework, and complete unique bodywork.

The engine that was used in the car and in fact, the only engine to ever power a Paxton was a Porsche engine. This engine was a rare Hirth crank motor taken directly from a 356. The car was bought and driven to So Cal by a staff member and the motor was removed. Other parts were used, including the gearbox and some suspension components, however, the majority of the car's features were handmade.

The interior of the car was mostly leather and featured a two-tone blue scheme with the most striking feature being the central instrument 'pod' of circular design. The steering wheel 'floated' within the circular design. Únder the hood, there was ample room for luggage and a spare tire. The car was made of fiberglass.

Automotive engineer Roscoe C. Hoffman purchased a new 1952 Porsche to disassemble and study the construction for this chassis design. They installed the new engine and transmission into the Paxton to make it an operational vehicle.

McCulloch kept the car in his personal lab in Southern California until his death in 1977. The Paxton has many unique and pioneering features including an all-fiberglass body (including bumpers), electrically retractable hardtop, telescopic steering wheel, electric windows, seats, and door latch mechanisms. The car has traveled fewer than 900 miles since new and still carries all of its original paint and upholstery.

Source - Minasian