Vehicle Description
1958 Porsche 356A Speedster with chrome Rudge wheels
VIN 84371 was originally finished in classic Black with Red
interior from the factory! Out of 4,145 Speedsters produced only
141 were special ordered in Black! It is also the first T2
Speedster built in 1958, only 23 were ordered in Black, out of only
551!
One owner until 2014 with the original sales invoice, financing
paperwork and original title issued in 1960.
European Collectibles did a full concour restoration with no
expense spared on this 1958 Speedster over a 20-month period from
2014 to 2016. During the restoration, this 356 was completely
disassembled so that every aspect could be properly addressed. The
356 was stripped down to the bare tub and it had minimal rust. The
body and panels are original and still retain their matching
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, new wire
harness, and fuel system. All the chrome was triple plated, all the
components are OEM or NOS. Absolutely superb in every way, this
356A Speedster is ready for immediate road or concour use. Complete
with tools, books, side curtains, boot cover, Certificate of
Authenticity from Porsche confirming all matching numbers & photo
documentation of the restoration. Truly one of the best 1958
Speedsters that you will find with no issues.
The T2 356A features all of the subtle improvements and updated
details fitted to the T2 Speedster over the brief four-year
production run. 1600cc normal 60 horsepower engine, 644 manual
4-speed transmission, ZF steering box, relocated shifter, high bow
soft top, and four-wheel drum brakes.
60 horsepower, 1,582cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed
four-cylinder engine with dual Zenith 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.
History
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.