Estimate: € 330,000 to € 350,000
Chassis number: 84588
The Porsche 356 Speedster was developed as a light and sportive model for the Californian Market. As with the BMW 507 and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, the idea was born by American importer Max Hoffmann. The Speedster was available as of 1954 and was a big success in the USA. The design with the low windscreen is a stylistic masterpiece, accentuating the harmonic shape of the 356’s body very well. Different from the also available Cabriolet, the hood is fully immersible and instead of the crank operated windows it had removable side curtains.
In 1955, Porsche introduced the 356 A T1 as the first upgrade of the model with several improvements. Some of these changes also applied to the Speedster, which was equipped with the padded/upholstered dashboard and three instruments of equal size.
The 356 Speedster war constantly upgraded, even during the model years. The taillights were changed during the 1957 model year from the two round beehive lights to the teardrop units. After the plant holidays 1957, the new model 356 A T2 with several new details was introduced. For example, the license plate-light was now installed below the plate and the tail pipes were now integrated into the bumper horns. These details made the T2 more elegant than its predecessors. Just around 937 exemplars of the T2 Speedster have been built in 1958, because in model year 1959 already, it was replaced by the more comfortable Convertible D.
The Porsche 356 Speedster T2 offered here was delivered to the American importer Max Hoffmann at New York on February 19, 1958, with the 1,6-liter-motor (44kW/60 PS). As a special feature, it was equipped with Coupé-seats.
We cannot tell when this car found its way back to Germany. During its long life, the motor once has been changed against one of the very same type 616/1. Around 1990, a Porsche enthusiast from the Bielefeld area got hold of the car. He stated that around 1980, the car must have been restored already. At that time, the car was sprayed black and the interior upholstered in beige, including the body-contoured seats which are typical for the Speedster.
He sold the car end of February 2001 to the actual owner. The sales advertisement from the newspaper is part of the documents.
In the same year, the owner took part in a Porsche outing at Frankfurt – this car being one of 193 cars of the type 356. A print of a daily paper documenting this participation by photo is available.
From December 2007 until September 2008, the current owner invested more than 64.000 Euros into the restoration of the car. The paint was changed back to the original ruby red and the interior back to the original black, although the Speedster sport seats were retained. These works were executed by a smaller garage located in northern Germany that is very experienced in restoring 356s. All works are documented by invoices.
Since this restoration, the car was driven about 3.000 km.
The 356 Speedster was carefully checked for us by Jochen Bader. Mr. Bader was the manager of the factory’s own Porsche Classic Workshop and as such responsible for the factory restorations. He is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable specialists in the appraisal of Porsche cars and travelling worldwide for Porsche collectors to evaluate the condition and the originality of special examples of the brand.
We are happy to provide his assessment to interested bidders.
The car is available for an inspection by appointment only in 33415 Verl, Germany. We are happy to show you the car and the documents and have a lift available as well.
Please contact us if you wish to obtain further information.
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