Of the 85 cars ever produced, worldwide only 35 have survived.

As I took this photo I had no idea this classic beauty was a Volkswagen Rometsch Lawrence coupé, and would never have guessed it had a handmade aluminum body. It looked like it might be some unknown American classic, but it had hints of Italian design. As you will see below, my uncertainty was justified.

How lucky to photograph this rare car actually being driven on a perfect day in front of a worthy backdrop.

As I made my way through the thousands of oldtimers, I hoped that I would be able to find this car again and learn more.

Luckily I found it parked right next to this exquisitely restored Corvette from my first post in this series.

As you can see, this car was worthy of a magazine cover.

Thankfully the owner provided this excellent description of this model in general and the background of his car. Below the photo is my quick translation for you.

VW Rometsch Lawrence Coupé

Production of the Rometsch Lawrence began in 1957, and was designed by Bert Lawrence. In principle, the Lawrence Coupé was a modified VW Beetle with a new body and some extras, such as a custom two toned paint job. The attractive body form was notable as was, at that time, the unusual padded dash.

The interesting combination of American design elements like fins, a panorama windshield, as well as Italian design lines were enough to win this car a Golden Rose prize in Genf in 1957.

The car was available as a coupé or convertible. The aluminum body was hand built, and the interior was very luxurious, which was reflected in the car's purchase price. It took more than 1200 hours before this car made its way out of the factory. In 1959 a new one cost about 8000 German Marks. (Annual wage was around 6000 DM.)

Production was stopped in 1961 because sales stagnated due to competition with the VW Karmann-Ghia. From 1957 to 1961 only 85 cars were produced. Worldwide about 35 have survived. A restored model is in the VW museum in Wolfsburg.

The coupé displayed here was stored in a barn in the USA until is was purchased and extensively restored over a two year period. Only part of the body had survived, the roof had been removed. All parts and components (interior and exterior) and wiring were missing.

Tip of the hat to this classic car owner.

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Thank you very much for stopping by!

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