Lot 138: Porsche 356 Speedster

Although Ferdinand Porsche did not commence building cars until 1948, his engineering pedigree was well established with designs ranging from the awesome Auto Union V16 Grand Prix car to the Tiger tank. After World War Two, however, and fresh from serving a two year prison sentence as a result, Porsche decided in 1947 to build his own sports car. Given project number 356, by August 1948 the first production model had been completed. With aluminium fastback coachwork, pressed steel chassis and the engine behind the rear axle, manufacture began late in 1948 and the 356 debuted at the 1949 Geneva Show. Power came from a 40bhp, 1,086cc engine mated to a four speed gearbox, with independent torsion bar/trailing arm suspension and drum brakes all round. Allied to 87mph and 0-60mph in 17 seconds was excellent fuel economy due to good aerodynamics and low weight. In 1951 - the year of the first of Porsche's many Le Mans entries, finishing 20th overall - 1,290 cc and 1,488 cc engines were introduced. The following year came an all-synchromesh gearbox and one-piece windscreen. By 1954, however, Porsche sales in America were suffering from the onslaught of MG, Austin Healey and Triumph, whose cars provided as much exhilaration for a lot less money. It was thus that coachbuilder Reutter penned a minimal shell based on the convertible 356, with low wrap-around windscreen, reduced frontal area and height, removable side screens, a lightweight hood and more basic interior. Selling at a competitive $2,995, and available with either 55 or 70bhp 1,488cc engine, the 100/ll0mph Speedster proved popular on road and track - weighing 150lb less than a standard 356, it was also quicker and in 1955 a Speedster won the SCCA's 1,500cc class; indeed, actor James Dean raced one. The same year saw the introduction of the 356A with 1,290cc or 1,582cc engines, the latter producing 60bhp/75bhp. The Speedster on offer is described by the current owner as being in excellent condition. Initially delivered to America in 1956, this stunning Porsche was subject to a 'bare metal' complete restoration between 1992 and 2000 by its first known keeper, a Mr Doug Casey, bills for which were in excess of $110,000, as documented in the accompanying restoration booklet. The main objective of this extensive overhaul was to preserve the originality of the car. Chassis, engine, transmission and interior have all been rebuilt to an extremely high specification and with an impressive attention to detail. In 2007 the car was sold to a German collector and it is presented today in fine working order. Ready to be enjoyed as a daily driver, chassis 82444 is one of the all time classic 1950s Porsches and is offered with Italian registration and circulation documents, past and present MoT test certificates and related history dating back to the 1980s. Finished in Signal Red with black interior, this fabulous and charismatic sports car would be a credit to any collector of the marque and would make an ideal entrant for concours d'elegance competitions or prestigious grand touring events.