Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 34
1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 84882 Engine no. 69103 (See Text)
Sold for US$302,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 34
From the Estate of James Messenger
1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster
1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 84882
Engine no. 69103 (See Text)
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 84882
Engine no. 69103 (See Text)
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-Choke Zenith Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
Front Torsion Bars and Trailing Links, Rear Swing Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Final Production year for the legendary Speedster
*One of 552 Speedsters produced in 1958
*Beautifully detailed restoration
*Side Curtains, reproduction Owner's Manual, Tool Kit & Jack
*A fabulous and desirable T2 Speedster for touring or display
THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Porsche offered its stalwart 356 in various open and closed variants, but few are as widely beloved and iconic as the limited-production Speedster. The lithe and racy open-topped sportscar was the brainchild of Max Hoffman, who encouraged Porsche to offer a stripped-out version of the 356, specifically tailored to the bustling American market – one that could quickly go from road to racetrack with just a few turns of a wrench. Characterized by its low, heavily raked windscreen, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356 line, eschewing glass door windows for removable side curtains and adjustable seats for fixed-back buckets.
From its introduction in 1954, the Speedster was a hit with buyers, the initial production run of 200 cars swelling to over 1,000 by the following year. It was just what the burgeoning American sports car racing scene was after, and Speedsters were oft found punching well above their weight on the open road courses, converted airfields, and newly minted permanent circuits across the USA.
The Speedster is a Porsche icon on par with the 911 Carrera RS or 550 Spyder, offering a pure and unfiltered driving experience that few post-war automobiles can match, and it remains one of the most collectible of all the 356 series.
THE CAR OFFERED
This beautiful 356 1600 Speedster hails from the final full year of Speedster production, making it a desirable T2 model incorporating the numerous cosmetic and mechanical improvements made throughout the run. According to the Kardex and registry records, this car is believed to have left the Zuffenhausen Works finished in Meissen Blue and equipped with a 1600 Normal engine fed by twin Zenith carburetors. Mr. Franz Heller, of Long Beach, California, is noted on the Kardex as the car's first owner. In recent years, it was restored to a high standard, refinished in a brilliant shade of red over tan upholstery, and accented with chrome plated wheels and a black canvas soft top.
While under current ownership, this Speedster enjoyed moderate use, and the restoration is exceptionally well-preserved. On a recent test drive by a Bonhams specialist, the Speedster ran and drove well, and the car is a prime candidate for one to enjoy to the fullest on the open road. Paint and brightwork sparkle, and the body wears proper touches, including Reuter Karrosserie badges and US-spec bumpers with distinctive tubular overriders. Swinging open the featherweight door reveals spartan Speedster bucket seats trimmed in tan leatherette, oatmeal square weave carpet, ivory steering wheel and gear knob, and rubber floor mats. In a Speedster, the business of driving is paramount, with no frivolities to distract the driver from the task at hand.
Power comes courtesy of a replacement 1,582cc "Normal" air-cooled flat-four, breathing through twin Zenith carburetors and factory-rated at 60 horsepower. Detailing approaches factory standards, with all engine sheet metal in place and authentic finishes, labels, and decals. The engine serial number falls within the 1958 T2 Speedster production range, and the transaxle carries a May 1958 date stamp, also aligning with this car's production schedule.
This T2 Speedster is accompanied by a reproduction owner's manual, side curtains, tool roll, and jack and is ideally suited to casual shows or enthusiastic participation in any number of prestigious rally events such as the Copperstate 1000 or New England 1000.
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