Vehicle Description
The legend of the Porsche Speedster goes well back to 1954 when Max
Hoffman, the powerful and influential American importer of Porsche
(as well as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes Benz and others) requested a
stripped-down version of the 356 to appeal to budget-minded weekend
racers. The top-brass at Porsche were all too eager to please Mr.
Hoffman and they quickly developed a new lightweight, open-topped
356. Named Speedster, it featured basic fixed-back bucket seats, a
distinct cut-down windscreen that could be removed for racing, and
rudimentary soft top and side curtains for weather protection. As
usual, Hoffman's read on the US market was spot-on and the
Speedster proved to be very popular, particularly in California and
among the East Coast sports car racing set. Since then, the 356
Speedster has become one of the most iconic and collectible
Porsches of all time, spawning countless replicas, tributes, and
imitators to this day. In the late 1980s, Porsche themselves paid
tribute to the original Speedster with a 911-based version that
would see out the production of the long-running G-Model before the
heavily revised 964 was released. A revival of the Speedster had
actually been proposed by former Porsche chief Peter Schutz as far
back as 1981, however, the Cabriolet was favored for its greater
comfort and more universal appeal. But with the Cabriolet
well-established, Porsche decided the time was right to have a
little fun, and they developed a modern interpretation of the
classic Speedster. The new version was based on a standard Cabrio
body shell and 3.2 liter running gear, but it sported a new
cut-down windscreen that was laid back a further 5 degrees, and a
lightweight and simple top which stowed beneath a molded cover that
recalled the "bathtub" shape of the 356. The doors featured hand
crank windows, and niceties such as sport seats and air
conditioning were optional. Also optional was the "Turbo Look"
package which was particularly well suited to the "chop-top"
Speedster. The performance was essentially unchanged, but outright
pace was not the point of the Speedster. This was a car meant for
pure, unfiltered driving enjoyment; a modern sports car for the
traditional enthusiast. As a special edition swansong to the
G-Model 911, just 2,065 examples of the Speedster were produced
worldwide before the 3.6 liter 964 series was ushered in. Today,
the Speedster has become among the most collectible and desirable
of the 3.2 liter 911 series. This spectacular 1989 911 Speedster
was discovered by its most recent owner in Modena, Italy in
approximately 2001. He was immediately struck by the car's nearly
showroom-fresh condition, and a deal was made to buy it on the
spot. From there, it was imported to the US where it was properly
federalized for use on American roads and it has remained in his
collection ever since. Finished in the rare and highly attractive
color of Linen Gray Metallic (Code L550) over a black interior,
this Speedster presents in stunning condition throughout. It
remains in a sparkling condition that belies its 29 years. An
original Italian market car, this Speedster was very well optioned
from new, including the highly desirable M491 Turbo-look package
that adds the flared bodywork, brakes and suspension of the 930.
Other options include the high-capacity battery, limited slip
differential, A/C, and factory security system. According to the
previous owner, the exquisite Linen Gray paintwork and body are
original, and the paint has recently been ceramic coated for
additional protection and a beautiful finish quality. This car
features optional manually-adjusted sport seats trimmed in black
leather which present in outstanding condition, showing very little
use and remaining supple and beautiful. Original black "Silverknit"
velour carpets are protected by over mats and are in excellent
condition. Features include optional air conditioning, the original
Porsche CR21 cassette player, and European market height-adjustable
H4 headlamps. The interior of the Speedster is largely unchanged
from that of a standard Carrera, and even with the cut-down soft
top in place, visibility and headroom remain excellent, even for
taller drivers. This car retains its original engine which presents
in excellent condition with original factory labels and markings
and good quality cad-plated hardware. As one would expect from a
pampered 911, it runs exceptionally well and is an absolute joy to
drive. The 3.2-liter flat-six is one of Porsche's finest; powerful
yet tractable and virtually bullet-proof, with a surprising top-end
punch and that distinctive air-cooled thrum. The famously light
front-end allows for unassisted steering that communicates through
the driver's hands with telepathic accuracy. The G50 gearbox feels
tight, with crisp and direct shifts through the gear lever. Recent
Pirelli PZero tires fitted to original 16-inch Fuchs alloys inspire
confident handling and the body feels tight and free of squeaks and
rattles. Included in the sale are the original books, owner's
manuals, and original Speedster supplement handbooks. The sale will
also include numerous spares, US market headlamps, a factory tool
kit, and air compressor, as well as the original steering wheel,
spare keys, period dealer literature and the necessary Federal
DOT/EPA paperwork. This truly exceptional 911 Speedster benefits
from meticulous care and limited use in the hands of a series of
fastidious owners. One of the most highly collectible of the
3.2-liter G-Model series; this gorgeous example is ready for
enjoyment on the road or for inclusion in any serious Porsche
collection.