1965 JRM (Netherlands)

The JRM Type 1600 GT is a remarkable Dutch one-off creation, based on the iconic Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Originally delivered new in 1958 in Hannover, Germany, the car made its way to the Netherlands in 1962, where it underwent a radical transformation. The project was initiated by A. Sakkers, a doctor who purchased the vehicle with accident damage. Rather than simply repairing the Karmann Ghia convertible, Sakkers envisioned something entirely unique. He removed the original body, welded a tubular steel frame, and crafted a new body using a hand-laid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) technique over a wooden mold. The windshield was made from Plexiglas, and for a more streamlined design, Sakkers opted to omit doors, instead creating entry recesses for ease of access.

To boost the car’s performance, Sakkers installed a Porsche 356 engine, allowing the car to reach impressive speeds of up to 200 km/h. In 1963, the car was officially registered as a "Sports Special." However, shortly afterward, due to his missionary work in South Africa, Sakkers sold the car through the weekly magazine Autovisie. It was then purchased by J.R. Mulder in 1965, who gave the car its new identity: JRM Type 1600 GT, named after his initials. Mulder further enhanced the car’s profile, and it was later sold to a car company in Hoogeveen, where it was used for promotional purposes and underwent a full engine overhaul.

The car changed hands multiple times over the decades but remained in the Netherlands. By 1990, it underwent a full nut-and-bolt restoration, with all mechanical aspects, including the engine, being completely refurbished. At some point, a Volkswagen 1600 CC engine replaced the original Porsche engine, but the car still runs exceptionally well.

Today, the JRM Type 1600 GT is owned by a passionate car enthusiast in Eschede, who aims to restore it to its former glory, including the reinstallation of a Porsche engine. The car’s complete history is meticulously documented, showcasing its journey through the hands of several dedicated owners. This car is not just a rare custom build; it’s a piece of automotive history, with its roots in one man's vision and craftsmanship.