Offered between 1955 and 1959 as a built-to-order model, a total of three customers must have thought so and that is exactly how many Mikafa Sport Campers were eventually made. Sure, there were other non ’sport’ models built too but these made do without a Porsche engine. These days any variant is extremely rare and only two Mikafa Campers reside in the States, this being the sole Sport model.
Now before you imagine yourself speeding across the landscape in a high-powered camper van, note that the engine in the Mikafa was sourced from a contemporary 356, which when new made a grand total of 60hp. Tasked with pushing (or in this case pulling as it is front-wheel drive) approximately 4000-pounds of mobile home around would have severely dampened its enthusiasm, and the intervening 64-year would surely have seen some of those horses going lame too but exactly how many is hard to say as there is now a VW flat-four engine in its place, of unspecified power and capacity. Still, the Mikafa Sport retains its Porsche badging which surely counts for something and it has a four-on-the-floor manual transmission to more effectively execute any ambitious overtaking maneuvers with.
So, while the only sporty thing about this vehicle is its name, it is still a fascinating thing and while it is offered in totally unrestored condition, there is something very alluring about its ‘50s design style and quaint─and totally original─interior fittings. Those fittings include a stove, sink, refrigerator and working restroom. It will go up for sale at the Mecum Monterey sale taking place between 15-17 August and is sure to attract a lot of attention, both from those wishing to return it to its original splendour and perhaps those who see the opportunity to fit it with a modern-day Porsche motor for the ultimate ‘sleeper’ van.
Images courtesy ofMecum Auctions
