Vehicle Description
1958 Porsche 356A Speedster
Completed on November 15, 1957
The 1958 Speedster type T2 is the most desirable, sought after and
drivable of all the Speedster from 1954 to 1958 with the ZF
steering box, high bow top frame, and better shifter position moved
closer to the driver. The paint is finished in Signal Red and is
stunning! The interior is upholstered in full black leather with
red piping to match the exterior, German black canvas soft-top and
boot cover, and oatmeal German square weave carpets. Very straight
body with excellent gaps & panel fit. The undercarriage is very
nicely detailed including the suspension, engine, and transmission.
3M clear bra to protect from road rash has been installed.
Mechanically it is in excellent condition. The engine is a
period-correct 1600cc SUPER that performs very well with plenty of
power. Manual 4-speed 644 transmission shifts through the gears
with ease. The brakes have been recently completely rebuilt with
all new wheel cylinders, brake lines, and master cylinder. Complete
with tools, owners manual, side curtains, and boot cover. Fully
sorted and ready to enjoy. Rare opportunity to find a T2 Speedster
in this condition at a reasonable price.
Specifications
75 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
One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 "Speedsters",
introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman advised the company that
a lower-cost, somewhat spartan open-top version could sell well in
the American market. With its low, raked windscreen (which could be
removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top,
the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern
California.
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."
