Chassis no. 83814

1,582-cc, 70-hp (SAE), 60-hp (DIN), OHV air-cooled, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox in rear transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with parallel trailing arms, transverse laminated torsion bars and anti-roll bar at front, swing axles with transverse torsion bars at rear and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7-inches

In developing the groundbreaking 356, Ferry Porsche, the son of engineering legend Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, created both the cornerstone of the Porsche empire and the patriarch of a race-winning model lineage. By the early 1950s, the 356 had been relentlessly developed into one of the world’s most respected sports cars, a remarkable feat considering that Porsche had yet to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Based largely on the Gläser-built 356 America of 1953 and even retaining its Type 540 designation, the Reutter-built Speedster debuted in 1954. The Speedster’s existence is owed in large part to Porsche’s U.S. importer, Max Hoffman, who astutely recognized the special needs of the U.S. market and convinced his European partners to build specific models to meet them. Conceived to meet a somewhat lower price point, the Speedster was quite Spartan in its appointments. Priced at $2,995, the seats were simple and the top small, with nonexistent roll-up windows replaced by a pair of side curtains. Freed of the 356 Cabriolet’s traditional appointments, the Speedster’s improved performance and lowered price generated strong demand.

The Speedster offered here has benefitted from a prior restoration and is presented properly in Signal Red with tan leatherette interior with a matching tan top, side curtains and boot. It has exceptional paintwork and chrome, and is reported to have a very straight body with verified numbers matching paneling, including corresponding three-digit IDs on each door, trunk and deck lid. It features a period 1600 Normal engine that is correct for its year, which undergone a complete rebuild and is reported to be well-sorted.

It is well appointed with its original steering wheel with a deluxe horn ring and chrome wheels as well as with its original books, tool kit and is accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity. 1958 is the last year of Porsche Speedster before it changed to the Convertible D in 1959. The end of the run is most desirable as only 1,129 Speedsters were produced in T2 form from late 1957 to '58, and were considered the most updated/modern/drivable. The final/late production numbers for the Speedster are very collectible and sought after vs. Pre-A and T1 Speedster configurations.