Major collection of Porsche cars, automobilia at Auctions America

Yet another large Porsche collection is going to auction, with Auctions America offering the no-reserve sale of 26 cars spanning 48 years of Porsche production, and an extensive trove of automobilia, during its Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sale March 31-April 1.

Ranging from a 1955 Porsche 356 1600 Speedster to a 2003 Porsche 996 Turbo, the JLB Autocrib Collection was compiled by Connecticut enthusiasts Jack and Alice Gish, who scoured the country looking for the finest examples of Porsches and collector items related to the German sports car brand, according to Auctions America.

Their entire compilation, seen by hundreds of visitors at the Gish’s property over the years, is being offered at auction. These include such celebrity-related cars as the 1955 356 Speedster formerly owned by actor Nicholas Cage and a 1958 Porsche RSK Tribute driven by Bruce Willis in Death Becomes Her.

Other notable models include a limited-production 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo “Slantnose,” a freshly restored 1960 Porsche 356B 1600 Coupe, a 1965 Porsche 356C 1600 SC Cabriolet with a older restoration, a 1968 Porsche 912 “Soft Window” Targa and a fully optioned 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe.

“I’ve always loved Porsches – their look, their sound, the way they hug the road and their technology has always been very attractive,” Jack Gish said in a news release. “Our collection certainly speaks to this and showcases the subtle changes in the Porsche line over the decades, as well as our immense and continued passion for the marque.

“It is, however, time to share the cars with other passionate enthusiasts. We’ve taken great pleasure from the car hobby over the years, both in the assembly of our collection and participation in many of the hobby’s great events. We hope our cars, as well as nostalgia, bring as much joy to their new owners as they have to our family over the years.”

The Porsche automobilia comprises one of the finest and most-extensive collections, according to Auctions America, and includes such items as dealership signs and posters, autographed prints, racing suits and helmets, and special display pieces – including a Porsche 914 cutaway transmission and engine display – limited-edition scale models, and a pair of “his and hers” Porsche watches.

“The scope of the JLG Autocrib Collection, particularly when it comes to the automobilia, is what makes it unique in the Porsche world,” said Bill Windham, vice president of sales for Auctions America.

“It is, without exaggeration, one of the most extensive groups of Porsche racing memorabilia and Porsche factory posters, and reflects the Gish’s intimate association with the marque and shrewd collecting philosophy; a quick look through the inventory reveals many original factory and Porsche dealership signs – rare pieces that were originally only available to the Porsche dealer network.”

Auctions America’s 15th annual Fort Lauderdale auction takes place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. For information, visit the auction website.