To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$300,000 - $350,000
- Restored in period-correct color combination
- One of just 1,155 Speedsters from the 1956 model year
- Includes original matching-numbers engine on stand
- Copy of factory Kardex and Porsche Certificate of
Authenticity
Light, simple, and fast - that describes the brilliant Porsche 356
Speedster. It was created at the behest of American distributor Max
Hoffman, who told Ferry Porsche that the still-fledgling automaker
needed something to compete with the popular British and Italian
imports of the day. And it had to be priced competitively. However,
boasting high-quality engineering, materials, and workmanship,
Porsche cars of the early 1950s were as costly as Cadillacs.
Hoffman suggested that Porsche build a spartan car with minimal
creature comforts, all for around $3,000.
Starting with a few cabriolets that were already on the assembly
line, Porsche removed their integral windshield frames and
installed cut-down and easily removable windshields, a thin fabric
folding top, and side-curtains in lieu of heavier wind-up windows.
The cockpit contained a pair of light semi-competition bucket seats
with ventilated but non-adjustable backrests. Speedsters, as
Hoffman had demanded, were stripped of just about everything else.
Even the tachometer was "optional at extra cost," though every
Speedster had one. The result was a sophisticated little sports car
that was easily put into racing trim.
Soon, these hand-assembled Speedsters were dominating the American
amateur racing scene. At the outset, they were equipped with a
1.5-liter engine, but soon larger and more powerful motors became
available, up to and including the potent but very complex
Fuhrmann-designed four-cam Carrera. The 1600 Normal engines
produced about 60 hp, the Super was good for 75, and the Carrera
engine made an easy 100 or more.
According to a copy of its factory warranty Kardex, this 356 A
Speedster was completed on 21 December 1956, finished in Signal Red
with a black leatherette interior. It was equipped with
U.S.-specification instruments, bumpers and over-riders, and
sealed-beam headlights. This car's early history is unknown, but
about a dozen years ago it was purchased in rough condition by an
Oklahoma enthusiast. In the course of a restoration, all the
expected areas of corrosion such as floor pans, longitudinals,
battery box, and other affected panels were repaired or replaced,
as necessary. The owner specified a change in color, choosing the
always-attractive Aquamarine Blue Metallic, paired with a tan
leatherette interior, tan top, and tan tonneau. A set of chromed
steel wheels has also been fitted. It is currently powered by a
1967 912 engine (Type 616/36), but its original Type 616/1 engine,
no. 63872, is included, as is its original transmission with BBAB
gearing.
Speedsters are a thrilling drive and always in demand; here is an
excellent driving example that can be enjoyed as-is.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
