1st Pushrod GT Speedster??

[alarson11]

I just found out that Leo Levine was the first owner of my parent's 1958 356A 1600 Super GT Speedster, chassis 84912. I believe this may be the very first "pushrod" GT Speedster, as Leo requested the factory to remove the 4 cam Carrera engine, and install a Super engine for his hillclimbs in Germany in 1958 and 1959 (and the remaining pushrod GT speedsters were sold in 1959). Super 1600 engine #82309 was installed in the car upon delivery on August 8, 1958. Does anyone else know of any other 1958 or earlier 356 "pushrod" GT Speedsters? In Heinrich's book, it only mentions some 1959 "pushrod" GT Speedsters.

Leo sold the car after numerous races in the winter of 1959-1960. The new owner, Wilfried Ruschenbaum, immediately removed the Super engine, and installed a 4-cam Carrera engine in the car. I would like to find a 1958 Super 1600 engine or engine case that is as close to 82309 as possible. Would anyone have one, or recommend where I should look?

I have all the racing history on Leo Levine, as well as pictures from his scrapbook, Kardex, race notes, race correspondence, race expenses, that were at the Revs Institute. However, I would like to also find any additional racing history and pictures on Wilfried Ruschenbaum (1960-1963) and also on the next owner, Karl Heinz Zepfel (1963-?), who both raced the car in Europe and Germany. thanks!