The names “Porsche” and “Speedster” have been inexorably linked since the mid-1950s, attached to a series of low-production, spartan two-seat convertibles that offered dashing good looks, great performance, and the high quality long attached to this famed German marque.

The iconic Speedster debuted in 1954 as a low-cost rival to the small British sports cars first brought to the U.S. by servicemen returning from Europe after World War II. Light, agile, and boasting ample power, these charming little Speedsters rapidly established themselves in racing, and they are highly sought after today.

Porsche revived the Speedster name and concept in 1989, building a limited number of 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet-based versions. Like their predecessors, these striking cars offered a cut-down windshield and a simple cloth manual top. This was stowed beneath a twin-humped fiberglass tonneau. Although the first Speedsters were bare-bones, having been stripped of almost all amenities, the second-generation was more boulevardier than racer. Most buyers opted to retain such Carrera luxuries as air conditioning and power seats.

The third generation Speedster appeared in 1994, again based on a 911 cabriolet. Constructed on the almost entirely new and modernized 964 Carrera 2 chassis, smoother and better-integrated nose and tail fascias, these new Speedsters featured an electric rear spoiler that rose automatically at 50 miles an hour to improve aerodynamics, and then retracted flush with the engine cover when the car slowed. The model also continued the Speedster’s traditional raked-windshield theme. Its 3.6-liter air-cooled SOHC flat-six engine produced 247 bhp and drove through a precision-shifting five-speed manual transaxle. The factory stated that Speedsters were capable of a top speed of 163 miles per hour.

Only 936 were constructed before the 964 program ended in December 1993, and while some were available in optional wide-body “Turbo-look” form, most were narrow-bodied, as in the example offered here. This lovely 964 Speedster is finished in classic Guards Red with red painted hard-shelled sport seats upholstered in tri-tone black, grey, and red leather, and a black top with red accents highlighting the interior. It has recorded only 1,569 miles from its original delivery at Anderson-Behel Porsche-Audi in Santa Clara, California, and has been carefully stored in a climate-controlled building. The top has rarely been lowered, and its original dealer marketing plate remains in place. Its handsome silver five-spoke light-alloy wheels are factory-fresh and unmarked. Further, it was factory-equipped with power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes, an entertainment system, air conditioning, and painted wheel center caps.

The pristine car is supplied with a Porsche Production Specifications certificate, its original manuals and books, a copy of the original window sticker, and maintenance records from new, including a major service in 2014 at a cost of $4,000. Included are its original tools, spare wheel and jack, air compressor, plastic work gloves (never opened), and several sets of spare keys with a leather pouch. It is truly worthy of addition to any serious Porsche collection.