Lot details
Registration No: G542TTV
Chassis No: WP0ZZZ91ZKS151227
Mot Expiry: Jan 2019

- 1 of just 64 UK-supplied (C16 specification) examples

- Factory-fitted with 'Turbo look' bodywork and electrically adjustable sports seats

- 17,500 recorded miles, original Blaupunkt Toronto stereo, tyre compressor and tool kit

Given the 356 Speedster's cult status, it seems amazing that Porsche took twenty-five years to launch a similarly minimalist drop-top 911. Brainchild of Peter Schutz and Helmuth Bott (the company's then President and Technical Director respectively), the Carrera 3.2 Speedster was visually distinguished from its Cabriolet sibling by a bespoke, more steeply raked aluminium-framed windscreen, simplified hood hidden beneath a distinctive `double hump' moulded polyurethane tonneau cover, lower slung sports seats and frameless side windows. The work of in-house stylist Tony Lapine, its distinctive lines were enhanced still further by the option of `Turbo-look' bodywork (which also entailed uprated suspension and brake components). A strict two-seater unlike the rest of the 911 range, it was powered by a 3164cc flat-six engine allied to the preferred G50 five-speed manual transmission. Living up to its name, the Speedster was capable of 0-60mph in 6 seconds and 152mph. Although previewed as a concept car at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the model did not enter production until January 1989. Notable as the last 911 variant to be derived from the same basic bodyshell as the 1963 original, the Carrera 3.2 Speedster was also the final 911 to be assembled at the old Zuffenhausen factory. Known internally as Option M503, the last of 2,104 examples rolled off the production line during July 1989. All but 171 customers specified the more dramatic `Turbo-look' bodywork with America and Germany proving the biggest markets. Of the 129 right-hand drive Speedsters made, just 64 were to UK `C16' specification. Embracing the less is more philosophy, Porsche charged a not insubstantial premium for the Speedster despite terming its roof a `rain hat' and demanding that original purchasers sign a disclaimer as to water and wind ingress!

One of the sixty-four UK cars, chassis WPOZZZ91ZKS151277 was built to the following specification: Impact absorbers front and rear (058), Blaupunkt Toronto Radio Cassette player (330), Sports seat left, electric height adjustment (383), Sports seat right, electric height adjustment (387), Front and rear spoiler delete - i.e. none fitted (470), Turbo-look bodywork (491), Amplifier (494), Luggage compartment velour carpet (975), Guards Red paint (L80K) and Cashmere Beige upholstery (LC). First road registered as `THE 89S' on August 1st 1989, it had had three previous keepers prior to entering the current ownership twenty years ago the last of whom was Christopher Nowicki of Loughborough. Although, the vendor's ill health means that the low recorded mileage of 17,500 cannot be warranted, it certainly appears correct. Factory stickers are still present in the door jamb and under the luggage compartment lid. Pleasingly retaining its original engine and running well during our recent photography visit, we could not discern any sign of previous accident damage or repair. Maintained in-house by the owner's ex-Holbay mechanic, the Speedster still carries its original space saver spare wheel (with unused Vredstein tyre), Porsche plug-in air compressor, jack, tool roll and Blaupunkt stereo (complete with instructions). Issued with an `advisory free' MOT certificate which runs until January 2nd 2019, the two-seater is currently undergoing a cherished number plate transfer. Rare, desirable and coming to market for the first time since 1998, this seemingly low mileage `C16' Speedster is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: We have been contacted by David Titchener to say that he bought this lot new from Dick Lovett of Swindon and had it registered as 'THE 89S' (The '89 Speedster)

PLEASE NOTE: We have been informed by the vendor's family that this lot retains its original front tyres. Apparently, the rear tyres were only replaced in April 2012 because of a nasty cut to the nearside one. They believe that the presence of the original front tyres lends further credibility to the odometer reading of 17,500 miles.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot is now registered with the DVLA under the number plate 'G542 TTV'