Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 81013
Mot Expiry: Nov 2010

"Where else are you going to get a sports car that has the performance, the ride and the workmanship of this one? Sure, it lacks certain features like roll-up windows, but if...you drive for the fun of driving, you'll love this one" (Walt Woron road testing a Porsche 356 Speedster for Motor Trend, July 1955)

It is perhaps ironic given the model's exalted status within Porsche circles but the Speedster was originally intended to be the entry rung on the 356 ladder. A direct response to mercurial importer Max Hoffman's request for an open-topped Zuffenhausen product that could be retailed for under $3,000, the pared back two-seater debuted in September 1954. Taking inspiration from the earlier, ultra-exclusive Glaser-built America Roadster - the two even shared the same Type Number (540) - the Speedster was designed by Reutter for minimum production cost. Utilising the same bodyshell as the existing Cabriolet, the newcomer did without a multi-layered hood or wind-up windows employing a more basic soft-top and sidescreens instead. To compensate for the fact that its sleek one-piece curved windscreen was some 3.5 inches shorter than the 356 norm, the Speedster carried special thinly-padded bucket seats with fixed backrests. The dashboard featured a thinner instrument binnacle eyebrow and lacked a glovebox, while the much vaunted purchase price of $2,995 POE (Port of Entry) New York included a speedometer and temperature gauge but not a tachometer or heater. Though, Hoffmann rarely had a problem persuading customers to dig a little deeper into their pockets.

Externally, the car's appearance was highlighted by simple chrome strakes which ran almost the length of the body and pleasingly encompassed the door handles. Powered by the 1500cc `Normal' engine allied to four-speed manual transmission as standard, the Speedster could also be had with a `Super' specification unit for an additional $500. Paying the extra money apparently shaved seconds off the 0-60mph sprint and a second and a half off the quarter mile time but considering that this slimmest of production 356s weighed-in at circa 200lbs less than some of its siblings even a `Normal' one was a fast, 100mph plus car. John von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast equivalent of Hoffman, was quick to spot the Speedster's competition potential and began running them in SCCA events as early as November 1954. That same month his 1500 `Super' finished eighth overall in a six-hour endurance race at Torrey Pines, near San Diego and won its class the next day. Suitably encouraged, Bengt Sonderstrom used one to secure the national 1955 SCCA F-Production championship. The 200 cars which Porsche had earmarked to `test the waters' during 1954 soon sold out; prompting the factory to ramp up production for the following year.

The last of the so called pre-A 356 Speedsters benefited from the introduction of the new 1600cc engine in October 1955 (again available in `Normal' 60hp or `Super' 75hp guises) and the model itself continued as an integrated part of the subsequent 356A range. Indeed by the time Speedster production ceased in 1958 some 4,243 are thought to have been sold. Largely overlooked on this side of The Pond when new, the past fifty years have seen the 356 Speedster grow in stature until now it is revered by Porsche enthusiasts the world over. A true style icon, it vies with the BMW 507 and Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster as the epitome of 1950s Germanic cool. This particular example - chassis number 81013 - was previously owned by marque expert James E. Schrager; author of `Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche 356' and a regular contributor to the 356 Registry and Sports Car Market magazines. Finished in black with brown leather upholstery, it is described by the vendor as being in "very good" (engine, gearbox), "good" (electrical equipment) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork, interior trim) condition. While, he goes on to say that: "This car really looks fabulous, it runs well and drives at it should. Numerous recent bills confirm that the condition is as good as it appears". Stated to retain its original Type 616/1 1600cc `Normal' engine, this stunning Speedster is offered for sale with a Porsche dating certificate, the aforementioned bills and signed copies of three of Mr Schrager's books.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is being sold EU Tax paid, but not UK registered. It is subject to payment of taxes to HMRC by the vendor but this will not be finalized until after the sale. This procedure is being arranged via CARS UK on behalf of the vendor and an original C&E 386 will be provided by HMRC to the successful bidder. Please call CARS UK on 01284 850950 for further information if required.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until November 2010.