Built at the urging of powerful U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the original Porsche 356 Speedster of 1954–1959 was to be an inexpensive sports car for the youth market. Its raffish good looks and minimalist equipment, including a cut-down windshield and “emergencies only” top, clicked with customers, and original Speedsters continue to be fiercely sought and prized by Porsche enthusiasts.

After the model was discontinued in 1959, its concept floated around the factory for the next 30 years, before styling chief Tony Lapine transported a number of its cues to a limited-production model, intended to calm the hordes eagerly awaiting the new 964. Priced at $65,000, a $12,000 premium over the 911 Targa, the new Speedster featured a raked, cut-down windshield and was a true two-passenger car, with twin “camel humps” covering the space where the 911’s vestigial rear seat had been.

While the Speedster remained on offer through 1994, it is the first-year examples that remain beloved. Only 2,065 were made, and only 824 were sent stateside, where fierce demand attracted prices as high as $100,000. Accordingly, the Speedster was a collectible when it was new, and it has remained so ever since, with almost every important Porsche collection containing one within their walls.

One would expect Don Davis’ “Porsche Row” in his collection to include such a rare and desirable model, and indeed it does. His “Black” 911 Speedster is one of the desirable “turbo look” models, and it has most available accessories, including power seats, windows, and locks; a Porsche CD player/radio; and factory air conditioning. Typical of the Davis cars, it has extraordinarily low miles, 15,767 at the time of cataloguing, and it is in outstanding, well-detailed condition, with excellent panel fit throughout. All appropriate tags and stickers are still in place, and the original tool kit still resides under the front lid. Additionally, this particular example is made even more attractive and unique with its particularly handsome dark red leather interior, which was a rare factory option on the model.

While it offers considerably more comfort than its legendary ancestor, the 911 Speedster evokes the same emotions, and it continues to appeal to the youthful spirit in us all. The offering of this low-mileage and perfectly preserved example provides an opportunity to enjoy that feeling again.