1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Zenith NDIX Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Offered after 44 years of single ownership
*Comprehensive ground-up restoration recently completed
*Offered with extensive history file, Kardex and Porsche COA
*Timeless styling finished in iconic Signal Red

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Bonhams is honored to offer this beautifully presented 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster, being sold after 44 years of single family ownership and having recently benefited from the completion of a comprehensive ground-up restoration. Completed on June 6, 1957, this Speedster was imported new by Max Hoffman in New York City.

Wearing Porsche's iconic Signal Red over a tan leather interior today, this Speedster was far from Concours condition when purchased by today's seller in 1975 from a body shop in Sausalito, CA. Although it was in driving condition, the car had deviated slightly from original condition, being powered by a 1500 motor (#35192) and showed evidence that a roll bar may have been fitted to the tub at one point. The vehicles history file includes photos of the car when it was purchased in 1975.

In 1977, this Speedster was placed in a storage facility in Burbank, CA. where it would remain untouched until 1990, at which point it was decided that a full restoration should take place to bring the Porsche back to its original luster and beauty. Assigned to the task would be the late Angelo Pino of Pino's Auto Body in Alhambra, CA. widely recognized for his specialized restorations and love of the Porsche 356.

Between June 1990 and January 1992, Angelo Pino completed a full body restoration down to bare metal and painted the car Signal Red, a change from its original Meissen Blau color. At the same time, a correct 1600 engine (#64110) built in 1957 was sourced to bring this Speedster back to correct specification. The history file includes color photos of Angelo Pino and employees loading the finished Speedster onto a trailer. Sadly Angelo Pino died in 2012, but is remembered with great respect by many 356 Registry members for his old school metal craftsmanship, earning the title of "Speedster King".

The Speedster was moved by trailer from Pino's Auto Body to Thomas' Auto Trim in San Diego, January 25, 1992. Thomas completed the interior and trim March 11, 1992, including installing correct oatmeal carpeting, rebuilding the seats with authentic horsehair, fabricating a new top, half tonneau, side curtains and upholstering interior components with Connolly #846 tan leather. Invoices are available in the vehicle's history file documenting the work performed, including detailed invoices from Tweeks and Stoddard.

In March of 1992, the Speedster was relocated to New Mexico where it would again sit in storage for 25 years before resurfacing in 2017. In January of 2017, Mr. Joe Almers, an experienced, skilled and knowledgeable member of the New Mexico, Zia 356 Club agreed to oversee final mechanical restoration of the Speedster. Work included testing, updating components, and installing the 1600 normal motor [#64110] purchased in 1992, rebuilding the Zenith NDIX carburetors and installing a new muffler.

During this period, other intermittent work had been performed on the Speedster, including the installation of new shocks and wheel bearings, new steering coupler, link and king pin. In addition, new brakes, master cylinder and wheel cylinders were fitted. A new clutch kit, rebuilt starter and generator, new ignition switch, 6-volt battery and ground strap, new fuses, bulbs and relays were also fitted to the car. Lastly, all gauges and lights were verified for function as well as the windshield wiper motor and windshield blades. Numerous additional small details were addressed in order to bring the vehicle to its present authentic and reliable condition.

A passion project for nearly 44 years, this 356A Speedster finally drove its first glorious miles after restoration in April of 2019. With fewer than 100 miles driven since, this Speedster is ready to be passed to the next caretaker for another lifetime of enjoyment. Accompanying the sale of this Speedster is a Porsche COA, the Kardex, tool kit, 2 California yellow and black plates, spare tire and rim, as well as a large history file documenting the life of this Speedster. Today the 356 Speedster remains a Porsche icon on par with the 550 Spyder and the 911. This car offer exceptional handling, timeless styling, and most of all, joy to those lucky enough to occupy its two seats.