1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster

1,720cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Zenith Carburetors
Est 95bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Cherished in current ownership by noted collector for more than 34 years
*Toured on many rallies around the world including the Nippon Rally in Japan
*Offered with extensive history file containing restoration records and Porsche COA
*The perfect 'Driver's Speedster' with a little extra power to use on rallies and tours


THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER

Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. Constant development saw the 356's engine enlarged first to 1.3 and then to 1.6 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. A Cabriolet followed hot on the heels of the original 356 Coupe and then in 1952 a trial batch of 15 Roadsters was constructed at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who had persuaded Porsche of the potential for a 'cut-price' entry-level model. The Roadsters' successful reception in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The Speedster's inspiration is also credited to John von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. Explaining such a car's appeal Neumann once said: 'Guys want to go, on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.' Plus ça change ...

Instantly recognizable by virtue of its low, wraparound - as opposed to V-shaped - windscreen, smaller and entirely retractable hood, lower door waistline, horizontal trim strip at the level of the door handles, and twin bucket seats - all of which served to emphasize its sporting image - the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-litre version of Porsche's horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1.6-liter, 60bhp engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this meant that the Speedster was an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This lovely 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster not only benefits from being produced in the fully developed T2 configuration, but even more so by having been owned for the past 34 years by a true Porsche enthusiast and collector with the keen passion for well-driving sportscars. A recent test drive by a Bonhams specialist proves the point, where this well-sorted Speedster performed incredibly well, with tight steering, excellent brakes, and ample performance.

According to the COA on the file, this Porsche was completed at the Zuffenhausen plant during January of 1958; the final and fully developed production-year for the legendary Porsche 356 Speedster. The new Speedster was finished in Ivory over a black interior, fitted with Coupe seats and most likely delivered new to the US market. It was here found by the consignor in 1988, who had an affection for the styling and great driving characteristics these cars are known for, long before most picked up on their importance as a collector car. A restoration was later performed, where the car was stripped to bare metal and finished in red, while a hot 912-type 1,720cc engine and later improved transaxle and upgraded brakes was fitted giving the Speedster a good deal more performance. Photos of the restoration can be found in the comprehensive history file showing the car as a very sound car in bare metal, along with an abundance of restoration and maintenance receipts. The exterior color was later changed to black, matching the lovely patinated full black leather interior, featuring Speedster seats and period competition-style seatbelts. Many Porsche shows and driving events have been enthusiastically attended with the Speedster in the past three decades, including runs on the California Mille and the Nippon Rally in Japan. Offered with jack, tool roll, side curtains, COA, black Speedster top and Tonneau cover - as well as the inch-thick history file - this true 'Driver's Speedster' is ready to take out enjoy.