Lot 236: 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster

In 1994 Porsche sales in the USA 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 55/70bhp 1,488cc engine, the 100mph Speedster proved popular on road and track - weighing 1501b 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. This Speedster, one of many produced for the American market, left the factory at Stuttgart in 1957 and was imported into the US. The car was sent to the New York distributor; Hoffmans. The car was then sold to its first owner, Mrs. M. Von Neumann of California. Mrs. Von Neumann was the girlfriend of the seller who was also a weekend racer. The badge that is on the wing would suggest that this was the case or perhaps awarded for another race car and handed it to his girlfriend who put it in the map pocket of 83099 and forgot about it until it was re-discovered during the restoration.The car was then bought in 1962 by its second owner Mr. V.L Vaile of Palm Springs; he kept the car until 1970. It then passed to Mr. Kostuik of Denver who started to carry out some work on the car to include re-painting before the car was bought by Miss Maxine Lyon of Beverly Hills in 1986. She found the car in Utah and when she moved to Beverly Hills she had the car trucked to her new home. She used the Speedster as her every day transport for six years. However when she got married and had children the car was retired to the garage. Eventually the car was sold to a dealer in 1995 where the fifth owner found the car and bought it back to his home in Glasgow, Scotland. Upon shipping the car to the UK from California he set about a comprehensive restoration of the car to be the most original and finest example in existence. Work was carried out by himself as he is a partner in the UK's largest Porsche approved repairer. All bodywork was brought back to as new condition and strikingly re-finished in Florida Green and re-trimmed in Black leather upholstery all in excellent condition. The 1600cc engine and gearbox was sent to 356 expert Barry Curtis for re-building. The engine bay is immaculate and the engine runs very sweetly. When 83099 was completed it went back to Barry Curtis for a final shake down. The restoration was carried out 8 years ago and the owner states it justs keeps looking better. The car is supplied with UK registration documents, a large history file including bills and invoices, invitations to the Autoglym Concours d' Elegance as well as a detailed history of 83099. This is one of the finest examples of this synonymous classic we have had the pleasure of selling.Cette Speedster produite Stuttgart, en Allemagne, fut importée vers les Etats Unis lors de sa sortie d'usine en 1957. Dans les années 70, son propriétaire commenca une série de travaux notamment la peinture. Elle retourna en Angleterre en 1995 et connu une importante restauration avec de nombreuses pices d'origines remises a neuf. Le moteur fut renvoyé Barry Curtis, expert en 356 pour lui redonner un bain de jouvance.