Lot 253: 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster Right Hand Drive

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. 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.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. In 1954 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. On offer today is an exceptionally rare, original right-hand drive Speedster manufactured in 1955, the first year of production. Only a handful of RHD Speedsters were produced and are very much sought after. Chassis 82721 is finished in silver grey with a dark tan leather interior and is in concours condition, having benefited from a chassis up restoration in 2000 and only completed in May of this year by marque specialists in Germany. Since 1990 the car has resided in the Bad Oeynhausen museum in Germany. Supplied with the car is photo documentation of the restoration as well as registration documents. A unique opportunity to purchase a concours example of one of the rarest and most desirable motor cars from the Porsche stable.