Chassis No.
83301
| Monterey, California
Addendum
Please note that within the last six months this 1957 Porsche 356 has undergone extensive work that was not mentioned in the catalog description. It was stripped to bare metal and then received a meticulous and complete professional paint job. It was fitted with a new and correct interior with refinished gauges, the original chrome was replated, and the wheels were also replaced with a set of dated stock wheels. Furthermore, the engine was removed, detailed, the seals replaced, and the gas tank was also completely restored, making this 356 correct and original in every way.
Previous owners include Mr. Tom Scott, a National Porsche judge, who owned the car in the 1980s. He sold it to Mr. Larry Grace, a prominent Denver businessman, before the current owner acquired the Speedster in 1999.
Previous owners include Mr. Tom Scott, a National Porsche judge, who owned the car in the 1980s. He sold it to Mr. Larry Grace, a prominent Denver businessman, before the current owner acquired the Speedster in 1999.
70 bhp (SAE), 60 bhp (DIN), 1,582 cc air-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, dual carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox in rear transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7"
• Matching numbers; recently freshened
• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Porsche’s 356 Speedster revolutionized the sports car concept during the late-1950s. Built to a more affordable price than the more luxurious 356 Cabriolet, at the insistence of Max Hoffman, Porsche’s larger-than-life U.S. importer, the Speedster was priced at $2,995 and offered lightweight bucket seats, a small top, and side curtains—all the trappings of an all-out, fair-weather sports car. Its rakish, cut-down windshield gave the impression of speed and adventure even while the car was at rest, and its performance and handling abilities were sharpened by a significant, overall weight reduction.
Speedster production commenced in 1955 and peaked at 1,416 units for 1957, with just 2,922 examples built in all. The Porsche 356 and its variants, including the Speedster, helped Porsche develop the American market and cater to a youthful, avant-garde clientele.
According to its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this very desirable 1600 cc-powered Porsche 356 Speedster was originally built on May 9, 1957 with sealed-beam headlamps, and it was finished in red with 356 Coupe-type seats trimmed in black leatherette. Prior to acquisition by the current owner some 12 years ago, this southern car was professionally restored. It is presented with a highly detailed engine bay, and the restoration was recently freshened with new carpeting, a new top, and selectively restored brightwork. As confirmed by the aforementioned Kardex certificate, it is a matching numbers example. All around, this is a terrific example of Porsche’s legendary Speedster, a sports car for the true enthusiast with his sights set on Mulholland Drive.
