Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 75
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 83552 Engine no. P*66193 Gearbox no. 15293
Estimate: US$330,000 - US$380,000
Lot 75
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 83552
Engine no. P*66193
Gearbox no. 15293
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 83552
Engine no. P*66193
Gearbox no. 15293
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Solex 32PB1C Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
* Notable 40-Year Ownership: Owned by renowned attorney Paul Morantz for four decades
* Retains matching numbers for engine and transmission
* A Los Angeles, California car since new
*Survivor with Character, maintaining originality and showcasing a beautiful patina
THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
The Speedster's inspiration was 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 windscreen, its smaller and entirely retractable top, lower door waistline and twin bucket seats (all of which served to emphasize its sporting image), the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model from Porsche intended to compete with the less-expensive British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-liter 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 100mph was possible. Combined with its renowned handling characteristics, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model, arguably the most handsome of the 356 variants, enjoys iconic status.
THE CAR OFFERED
Presenting the 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster, a timeless classic that bears witness to the discerning taste and meticulous care of its notable owner, Paul Morantz. Morantz, a renowned attorney recognized for his involvement in high-profile legal cases related to cults and mind control, acquired this remarkable vehicle in 1983. His unwavering dedication to exposing destructive cults was further solidified when the Church of Synanon attempted to harm him. In a shocking incident, the cult planted a rattlesnake in Morantz's mailbox, intending to poison him. Despite this sinister act, Morantz persevered, continuing his legal battles and ultimately contributing to the downfall of the cult.
Now, let's delve into the exceptional qualities of this 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster. This beautiful example of automotive craftsmanship proudly retains its originality, showcasing matching numbers for both its engine and transmission, as confirmed by the accompanying Kardex. It's remarkable journey begins in Nurnberg at the renowned Krauss dealership, where it was first delivered on July 25, 1957. A month later, on September 2nd, it was bound for Los Angeles, California to be delivered to A.R. Lizardo, where it has remained throughout its entire life, embodying the quintessential California car experience.
Adorned in its factory-original Ruby Red, this Speedster commands attention with its captivating color scheme. The allure continues inside with a beautifully preserved brown interior that exudes a remarkable patina, a testament to the car's authenticity and the passage of time. The solid original floors and door panels further reinforce its stunning integrity.
Every detail of this 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster speaks to its originality and heritage. The wheels bear correct stampings from the year of production, reflecting the meticulous attention given to maintaining its historical accuracy. While a single professional respray is believed to have occurred since its manufacture, it adds to the car's story and character, creating a harmonious blend of originality and survivorship.
Having recently undergone a comprehensive service, this Speedster is poised and ready to be enjoyed. It promises an unparalleled driving experience that only a true survivor like this can provide. The 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster, with its remarkable originality and esteemed ownership history, is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a genuine automotive treasure that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark in any discerning collection.
2 Solex 32PB1C Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
* Notable 40-Year Ownership: Owned by renowned attorney Paul Morantz for four decades
* Retains matching numbers for engine and transmission
* A Los Angeles, California car since new
*Survivor with Character, maintaining originality and showcasing a beautiful patina
THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
The Speedster's inspiration was 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 windscreen, its smaller and entirely retractable top, lower door waistline and twin bucket seats (all of which served to emphasize its sporting image), the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model from Porsche intended to compete with the less-expensive British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-liter 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 100mph was possible. Combined with its renowned handling characteristics, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model, arguably the most handsome of the 356 variants, enjoys iconic status.
THE CAR OFFERED
Presenting the 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster, a timeless classic that bears witness to the discerning taste and meticulous care of its notable owner, Paul Morantz. Morantz, a renowned attorney recognized for his involvement in high-profile legal cases related to cults and mind control, acquired this remarkable vehicle in 1983. His unwavering dedication to exposing destructive cults was further solidified when the Church of Synanon attempted to harm him. In a shocking incident, the cult planted a rattlesnake in Morantz's mailbox, intending to poison him. Despite this sinister act, Morantz persevered, continuing his legal battles and ultimately contributing to the downfall of the cult.
Now, let's delve into the exceptional qualities of this 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster. This beautiful example of automotive craftsmanship proudly retains its originality, showcasing matching numbers for both its engine and transmission, as confirmed by the accompanying Kardex. It's remarkable journey begins in Nurnberg at the renowned Krauss dealership, where it was first delivered on July 25, 1957. A month later, on September 2nd, it was bound for Los Angeles, California to be delivered to A.R. Lizardo, where it has remained throughout its entire life, embodying the quintessential California car experience.
Adorned in its factory-original Ruby Red, this Speedster commands attention with its captivating color scheme. The allure continues inside with a beautifully preserved brown interior that exudes a remarkable patina, a testament to the car's authenticity and the passage of time. The solid original floors and door panels further reinforce its stunning integrity.
Every detail of this 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster speaks to its originality and heritage. The wheels bear correct stampings from the year of production, reflecting the meticulous attention given to maintaining its historical accuracy. While a single professional respray is believed to have occurred since its manufacture, it adds to the car's story and character, creating a harmonious blend of originality and survivorship.
Having recently undergone a comprehensive service, this Speedster is poised and ready to be enjoyed. It promises an unparalleled driving experience that only a true survivor like this can provide. The 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster, with its remarkable originality and esteemed ownership history, is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a genuine automotive treasure that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark in any discerning collection.
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Title in transit.
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