The arrival of Porsche’s spartan 356 Speedster revolutionised the world of low-cost, high-reward sports cars, which had previously been the domain of small British-built roadsters. Seeking a foothold in this growing market segment, New York importer Max Hoffman urged Ferdinand Porsche to provide him with a price-competitive model, one that he could sell for just under $3,000.

The bare-bones Speedster, with its removable windscreen and pair of thin bucket seats, was exactly what Hoffman had asked for. Production of the hand-built 356s began in 1954, and by the end of the series in 1958 a mere 2,922 examples had been delivered, with the factory making steady improvements to the design every year. Speedsters were not only well engineered and well built, but fun to drive, and quickly proved to be dominant in race series such as the SCCA. Today, no serious Porsche collection is complete without a 356 Speedster.

The example offered here, chassis 84244, is noted to have been completed by the factory on 16 December 1957. The Porsche was imported by Hoffman in New York, and was first registered for the road in the United States on 1 July 1958. Copies of the Speedster’s Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity and Kardex sheet (available to view on file) attest that the car was configured by the factory with sealed beam headlights, US-spec front and rear bumpers, and an odometer showing in miles, while it was originally finished in Silver Metallic over a Black leather interior.

While little is known about the Porsche’s ownership history in the USA, its last stateside owner is known to have resided in Dallas, Texas. Under their custodianship, the Speedster was entered into a succession of concours d’elegance events in which it picked up awards. At the 2011 Autos in the Park, Dallas’ premier concours event, the 356 was named “First Place German (Pre-1980)” while at the same event in 2013, the car won both “1st in Class” for the 356 category, further to “Best in Show” overall. The Porsche also attended the 2011 edition of the Santa Fe Concorso.

Following its return to Europe, an inspection by Garage Téloché in Geneva, Switzerland found that the engine currently installed is a non-matching, correct-type Type 616/1 unit, while the gearbox is also non-original, thought to have been replaced in the car’s early years.

Now presented in white with a contrasting black soft-top, black leather interior and tan-coloured carpets, the 356 wears period features such as a wood-rimmed steering wheel, chrome bumpers with overriders, yellow lens spotlights, and a Blaupunkt radio. A must-have in any Porsche collection, the 356 A 1600 Speedster’s timeless styling, exciting driving dynamics and low production numbers combine to tick all the boxes. A Porsche icon, the Speedster offers the ultimate top-down touring experience and instant recognition at shows and club events.