The word “iconic” is oft overused, but it certainly applies to the 356 Speedster, one of the most famous Porsches and inarguably one of the most significant, recognizable sports cars ever produced.

Like many famous performance machines of its time, the Speedster was essentially willed into being by the powerful New York-based foreign car impresario, Max Hoffman, who convinced Porsche’s powers-that-be that a convertible with bare-bones appointments, sold at a low cost, would appeal to American buyers. He was right, and the Speedster achieved tremendous success—not only in the US, but in Europe as well, and on both road and track. It was steadily upgraded, with the 356 A offering a larger 1600 engine, offering 75 brake horsepower in optional Super tune. In such a car, 100 mph was possible, a real experience with the Speedster’s rudimentary “emergency” top and extremely low windshield!

The Speedster offered here is an especially rare version, delivered new in Aquamarine Blue with the desirable and potent 1600 Super engine, chrome wheels, and the more comfortable and livable coupe seats, via the distributor in Munich. It eventually moved to the United States and in the early 2000s was restored to the present color scheme, black with a rich dark red interior, after which it was well-maintained until joining the Adderley Collection in 2012. With sport exhaust, nerf bar bumpers, and the correct Super hubcaps, it has a superb, purposeful appearance. Note that this car’s engine was replaced in period, as recorded in the Kardex copy on file. Its presently fitted unit, which has been re-stamped to match the numbers of the original-delivery engine, is of a later date but the correct displacement.

This is a wonderful example of the famed 356 Speedster, with a potent Super engine and marvelous presentation sure to endear it to any Porsche enthusiast.