1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster

1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster

1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster
Lot was Not Sold at a high bid of $115,000

Est. 60bhp, 1,582 cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7"

Est. 60bhp, 1,582 cc overhead-valve horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7"

In developing the 356, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche created the cornerstone of the Porsche empire and the patriarch of a race-winning model lineage. Production began in the late 1940s, and the first 50 cars were built almost entirely by hand. The 356 had an integral body and chassis utilizing unitary construction techniques. By 1955 it had developed into one of the world’s most respected sports cars, a remarkable feat when considering that Porsche had yet to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The evolution of the Porsche 356 was swift, impelled not only by Porsche’s drive for technical improvement but also by the realities of commercial success. Sales outstripped even Porsche’s most optimistic forecasts and with increased sales came opportunities to build more 356s in-house and simultaneously expand the model range. The first sales-driven new model was the Speedster, which arrived in 1954.

The Speedster’s existence is owed in large part to Porsche’s U.S. importer, the legendary Max Hoffman, who was responsible for recognizing the special needs of the U.S. market and encouraging his European partners to build specific models to meet those needs. Conceived to meet a precise price point, the Speedster was quite spartan, with minimal equipment and no accoutrements. Priced at $2,995, the seats were simple, the top rather small, and roll-up windows nonexistent (side curtains were used instead). Free of the 356 Cabriolet’s traditional appointments, Porsche counted on the Speedster’s sporty character to generate sales.

And the Speedster certainly was a sales success, offering its drivers an economical and elemental Porsche experience. It was also upgraded with a 1.6-liter engine and continued to establish a formidable reputation on American race tracks, giving it a serious performance reputation with a youthful, even avant-garde, image. Porsche improved carburetion, added a ZF worm and lever steering arrangement, and made various mechanical changes, continually evolving the 356’s engineering and distancing itself from its Volkswagen roots. Top speeds for the Speedster exceeded 100 miles per hour with zero-to-sixty times in the ten second range, both very respectable accomplishments in their day.

Having undergone a comprehensive restoration by the marque specialists at Vintage Auto Collectibles in New Jersey, this particular Speedster remains in superb condition. As with all other restorations conducted by the company, this car was chosen for its mechanical specifications and lack of body damage and corrosion. The body, including the floors, was completely stripped to bare metal for inspection and repair. It was then sealed and meticulously finished in the original Porsche white (code 30510). As for the interior, the upholstery is red leatherette, as per the original Porsche specification, and the gauges were restored by North Hollywood Speedometer. New carpeting and mats were also fitted as were European headlamps and new chrome trim.

All mechanical components were examined and expertly rebuilt or replaced with new parts. In this particular car, the engine was rebuilt to factory specifications, the transmission was rebuilt using new seals and bearings and the suspension and braking systems were completely refurbished. In the end, the product of the restoration is factory correct in all respects and accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

The Speedster’s appeal lies not only in its good looks and sheer driving pleasure, but also in its fantastic heritage. Born of the demands of an American market and produced to meet the performance needs of a new generation, each surviving Speedster remains highly collectible. This particular car is an outstanding example that benefits from a comprehensive, professional restoration.

RM Auctions
Automobiles of Amelia Island
March 14, 2009
Website: www.rmauctions.com
Not Sold: $115,000
Lot #234

Related Pages

• 1956 Porsche
• Porsche Speedster
• Porsche Auction Results
• Porsche Main Page
• Remarkable Cars Home

Thanks