In the early-1950s, the fledgling Porsche marque sought to establish true series production following its relocation from Gmünd, the small Austrian village in the Alps, to Stuttgart, the bustling German industrial area.

The automotive manufacturer’s preferred coachbuilder, Reutter, experienced an occasional overload of orders, compelling Porsche in 1950 to send a handful of 356 cabriolets to Gläser, the Weiden-based firm that had clothed luxurious convertibles for Horch, Maybach, and Mercedes-Benz.

In 1951, this arrangement became more formalised, as Gläser built 106 cabriolets with their own distinct numbering.

The following year, the coachbuilder also began building the America Roadsters that became the basis for the legendary Speedster.

In total, between 1950 and 1952, Gläser built 17 America Roadsters and 242 356-based cabriolets, which have grown to be particularly desirable.

It is reported that the manufacturing arrangement between Porsche and Gläser was economically unviabl...