Lot 620: Porsche 356A Speedster

From the moment it was introduced, Porsche’s 356 was fairly expensive. For the entry price, which was usually more than $1,000 more than such British sports cars as MG or Triumph, buyers received exceptional engineering and build quality in a car that had a fraction of the power of the typical American sedan of the period. But handling from the fully-independent suspension was precise and the car exuded quality.

In 1954 American Porsche importer and European car impresario Max Hoffman prevailed upon the factory in Germany to come out with a more affordable car than the 356 coupe. The car that resulted was the 356 Speedster. The fixed roof was gone, so too were roll-up windows. Interior trim was another area where costs were cut, but no savings were taken out on the engine or drive train.

That engine was a horizontally-opposed air-cooled four stowed behind the rear axle. By 1957, when the car on offer was built, the engine was available in two versions, both of which displaced 1582cc. The standard version was good for 60 horsepower, a figure that was boosted to 75 horsepower thanks to higher compression and a host of other factory changes.

Although the Speedsters generally sold for more than $400 beneath the cost of the coupe, the lighter (by almost 200 pounds) Speedster was faster and much more successful in competition. Today, they are also considered the most desirable of the early “bathtub” Porsches and that is clearly shown in the market prices.

The 1957 Speedster on offer is a finished in the highly desirable color of silver, which is set off nicely by the red leather interior and black soft top.

Owned by the vendor since 1971, this stunning Porsche was underwent an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration between 1998 to 2003. Interior and exterior work totaled some $27,000, while another approximately $7,000 was invested in the engine alone.

With only 100 miles on the engine, that new rebuild still hasn’t been fully run in, a task that the new owner should be delighted to undertake. This Porsche is ready for show or touring and is said to run extremely well.