Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 82895
Engine No. 80763
Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster is arguably the
epochal model for the Porsche brand. The reason for its creation is
widely known - built at the behest of Porsche's renowned U.S.
importer Max Hoffman as an affordable Porsche able to compete in
the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. The spartan,
purpose-built sports car was priced at an affordable $2,995 at port
of entry and devoid of any luxury equipment, leaving only a
low-profile windscreen, three circular dashboard instruments, and
two bucket seats. In 1500 Super form, it became a popular boulevard
race car for some and a class-winning SCCA race car for others
before being replaced by the more powerful 1600 in 1955. At no
additional cost over its predecessor, the 1600 boasted an almost
ten-percent horsepower increase up from 55 to 60 horsepower and
made over 100 mph possible for the first time in the spartan
Speedster.
Belonging to an exclusive group of "Super" Speedsters, this 1957
Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster was originally delivered with the rare
and desirable Type 616/2 1600 Super engine producing 75 horsepower
instead of the standard 60 horsepower 1600 engine according to a
digital copy of its factory Kardex. On 16 January 1957, this
left-hand-drive Speedster, chassis number 82895, was delivered new
in White with a Black Kunstleder (leatherette) interior and
equipped with the potent 1,582 cc air-cooled Super engine, sealed
beam headlights, and U.S.-specification bumpers. It is understood
to have spent many years on the West Coast under the capable
stewardship of noted Porsche specialists European Collectibles in
Costa Mesa, California, before being sold to an enthusiast owner in
New Jersey by the late 2000s. The Speedster subsequently passed to
the current New York-based collector who commissioned a thorough
restoration by Autosport Designs, Inc. in Huntington Station, New
York to its superb Silver Metallic over Black livery with black
square-weave carpets, black top, and black side curtains.
It should be noted that according to its factory Kardex warranty
card, the presently equipped 1600 Super engine is recognized to be
the original, matching-numbers unit. Mated to a four-speed manual
transaxle, the well-restored Speedster shifts and revs smoothly,
making it an ideal candidate for immediate entry into an array of
historic tours or a leisurely cruise up the Pacific Coast. With its
highly desirable, matching-numbers 1600 Super engine and stunning
restoration in classic colors, chassis number 82895 presents
Porsche devotees with an opportunity to experience the superb
engineering and rugged simplicity that has made the Speedster among
the most desired of all 356 variants.