60 bhp, 1,582 cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with dual Zenith downdraft carburettors, four-speed manual gearbox, front and rear independent suspension, and front and rear brake drums. Wheelbase: 2,100 mm
Like so many great cars of the 1950s, the 356 Speedster was the brainchild of U.S. Porsche importer Max Hoffman. Hoffman suggested to Ferry Porsche that if a lighter, sportier variant of the 356 was produced to compete with the British sports cars of the day, it would no doubt be quite successful. As it featured a more aggressive windshield, bucket seats, and a folding convertible top that was light but substantial enough to escape a sudden downpour, the Speedster became a huge hit in warm weather locales, especially Southern California. Just as Hoffman predicted, the Speedster was an excellent alternative to its British competitors, and the avant-garde, low-slung Porsches simply flew off Hoffman’s Park Avenue showroom floor when new.
This particular 1954 Pre-A Speedster is a very early example, and it is believed to be the 58th produced. According to the factory Kardex, it was delivered new to Hoffman’s dealership in New York City wearing Signal Red over a black leather interior. Little is known of its early history, but by 1993, the car was owned by Marvin Cohen, a realtor residing in Kingston, Pennsylvania. In 2011, the Speedster departed North America, bound for a new owner in Europe, and it has remained there, under his care, ever since.
Today, the Speedster wears elegant and stylish dark grey paint over a tobacco interior, and it is in excellent condition following a comprehensive older restoration (photos of which are on file), which was believed to have taken place in the 1990s. According to receipts on file, its restoration was refreshed in early 2013 with the installation of a variety of components, including new front and rear bumpers and a sport camshaft, amongst other minor parts. At some time, this Speedster’s original 1,500 engine was replaced with a 1,600-cubic centimetre type 616/1 T5 motor from a 1961 356 B, earning the Speedster horsepower over its original output.
As one of the most sought-after vehicles amongst collectors, the 356 offers exciting performance within a timeless design. The performance modifications worked to improve its sporty driving characteristics, resulting in the most iconic variant of the 356 line. Speedsters are always in vogue, and well-maintained, beautifully presented examples such as this are always in strong demand. This is a perfect car for a stylish open-air run over to St. Tropez for a weekend!


