Staying true to its original livery, Strahle Auto Sport Options

[smg914]

After purchasing the M471 GT back in 2007, and many weeks of deliberation, I decided to restore it to how it looked when Erich Strenger first purchased the car from Strahle Porsche in Germany back in 1972 (as documented from many early photographs). This of course included adding the front and rear stripes, the Can-Am sticker in the rear window, the front (S-AU 3506) license plate and many other things. However, there has always been one fairly significant thing I didn't do for various reasons. Its the (Strahle Auto Sport) sticker that was on the front quarter panels just behind the wheel arches. (see black and white photo below)

Recently while talking to a concours judge that I highly respect. The subject of vintage Porsche race car livery came up. I told him about what I did with my car and that I neglected one detail because I really didn't want to put stickers on the body even though I did go with the stripes. He convinced me that if the early photos document that it had the stickers, then they should be on the car. He also said, "If you don't like it, you can always take it off".

The car is being shipped to New York in October for a private (invitation only) event. Some of the most prolific car collectors will be there and to be true to my narrative about restoring the car to its original livery, I decided to install the stickers. It will take a little time for me to warm up to it.... but....it is now that much closer to its original livery and that is pretty cool!

What say you?