Vehicle Description
1957 Porsche 356A T1 Speedster VIN 83633
European Collectibles did an exquisite restoration on this 1957
Speedster over a 20-month period from 2012 to 2013. During the
restoration, this 356 was completely disassembled so that every
aspect could be properly addressed. The 356 was stripped down to
the bare shell and it had minimal rust. The body and panels are
original and still retain their correct stampings/numbers. All
panels were pre-fit with bumpers, windshield frame and top to
ensure the absolute best result. The complete driveline was
rebuilt, engine, transmission, suspension, braking system, wire
harness, and fuel system. All the chrome is triple plated, all the
components are OEM or NOS. No color was listed on the Certificate
of Authenticity or Kardex so the car was painted in a beautifully
original color of Stone Grey with Red interior Absolutely superb in
every way, this 356A Speedster is ready for immediate road or
concours use. Complete with tools, books, side curtains, boot cover
and Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche & photo documentation
of the restoration. Truly one of the best 1957 Speedsters that you
will find with no issues.
60 horsepower, 1,582 cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed
four-cylinder engine with dual Solex carburetors, four-speed manual
644 transmission, independent front suspension with laminated
torsion bars, parallel trailing arms, and tubular shock absorbers,
independent rear swing axles with torsion bars and tubular shock
absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7
in.
Porsche has the Speedster to thank for their success in the United
States. Without this little convertible, it could be argued that
Porsche sales might not have ever taken off in the fiercely
competitive U.S. market. The car's low-slung and focused looks
appealed to sports car enthusiasts and its price of just under
$3,000 definitely helped to get Speedsters off the showroom floors
and out onto the open road. Boasting few creature comforts but
excellent driving characteristics, it helped cement Porsche's
reputation in the United States and earned it a hugely desirable
portion of the sports car market at a time when the motto of most
British marques was "export or die."
The Speedster holds a special place in Porsche history, not only as
a sales success but also as an icon of minimalist automotive
design. It remains a beloved vehicle today, and a well-restored and
properly maintained Speedster, such as this example, is on the wish
list of nearly every car enthusiast the world over. This status has
also contributed to a meteoric rise in desirability for these cars,
as they lead the charge for all 356s and 911s that are gaining
momentum in the marketplace. Simply put, no important collection
would be complete without a proper Speedster, as it is an equal in
automotive design and history as the California Spider and 300 SL,
but it further benefits from practicality and ease of use, which
makes it as perfect for running errands as handling twisty mountain
roads. Motoring enthusiasts new to the classic car world are well
served to acquire a "blue chip" Porsche such as this.