Vehicle Description
1956 Porsche 356A T1 Speedster
Completed April 27, 1956
The 294th out of 949 356A T1 Speedsters produced in 1956
Only one owner for the past sixteen years! European Collectibles
sold this Speedster to the current owner March of 2004. The
restoration was done over several years from 2004 to 2008 in
Southern California. The paint and bodywork was done by Hung Luu
Auto Body/Paint Restoration located in Pasadena, California who has
had a number of Best-in-Show (Street Category) wins at the 356
Club's Concours d' Elegance. Hung Luu was the main body man at
Pino's in Pasadena. Angelo Pino was a world-famous craftsman and
restorer of Porsche Parade winners. The body was stripped to the
steel, media blasted, metalwork was performed, and the body was
prepped and painted to full show-quality condition; $17,650 was
spent. A new tan interior was installed with German square weave
carpets, a soft-top, and boot cover, supplied by Autos
International. The chrome was re-plated by Christensen Chrome
Plating and rubber components were ordered from International
Mercantile.
Additional parts were purchased from Stoddard Porsche Parts and
Sierra Madre Collection Porsche Parts. In 2006, the engine had a
lot of failing gasket leaks, and not knowing the condition of the
engine, the owner had the engine disassembled by Foreign Machine
Services in Pasadena, California, and thoroughly inspected. Foreign
Machine Services is a machine shop for many of the Porsche
mechanics in the area, including Rusnak Porsche. Jim, the owner of
the firm and a friend of the owner, found everything to be in good
shape and reassembled it with new gaskets and bearings. Markham
Motors rebuilt the transmission with all new synchromesh and
replaced the 2nd gear in 2008. Four new Vredestein tires were also
installed in June of 2019.
This Speedster has been driven to local California Porsche events
over the years and has been shown time and time again with multiple
wins. It is in beautiful overall condition and has been well cared
for by an active Porsche collector; it is ready to be driven
anywhere!
According to the Certificate of Authenticity, this Speedster was
originally finished in a rare Polyantha Red (color code 5602) with
a Black interior. However, the owner preferred a tan interior. In
absolutely superb condition, ready for any concour event, or to
just drive and enjoy! Offered with tools, jack, books, side
curtains, boot cover, owner's manual, receipts of the restoration,
and Certificate of Authenticity confirming matching engine. Truly a
rare find!
Accolades/Awards
PCA San Gabriel Valley Region Concours
Art Center College of Design
2011 - 1st in Class - Street Division (239.20 points)
2015 - 1st in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
PCA GPX Region Concours
2015 - 1st in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
& People's Choice - Best of Show
PCA Orange Coast Region Concours- Dana Point
2015 - 1st in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
PCA CAI Concours - College of the Canyons
2015 - 2nd in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
PCA Festival of Speed - Zone 8 Concours d'Elegance
2015 - 1st in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
PCA LA Concours - Santa Monica Air Museum
2015 - 2nd in Class - Street Division (239.00 points)
PCA Santa Barbra Region Concours - Sherwood Country Club
2015 - 1st in Class - Street Division (238.80 points)
San Marino Motor Classic - Concours d'Elegance at Lacy Park
2014 - 1st in Class
2016 - 2nd in Class
356 Club of Southern California - Dana Point Concours
2008 - 1st in Class - Street Division
2012 - 1st in Class - Street Division
2013 - 1st in Class - Street Division
2016 - 2nd in Class - Street Division
2018 - 1st in Class - Street Division - Tie
Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance
2007 - 1st in class
Art Center - College of Design Car Classic - Invitation only
participant
2007
2014
2016
History
It's hard to believe, but Porsche design and the Germans, in
general, were able to reboot and go from thinking about Tiger tanks
to sports cars in the span of just three years. In 1948, the first
Porsche 356 emerged from a converted sawmill in Gmund, Austria (the
Allied occupation forces were the new residents of Porsche's
Stuttgart, Germany offices).
By 1950, a much-improved version of the Porsche 356 built-in
Zuffenhausen, Germany was being sold in America. Early U.S.
importer, Max Hoffman, was responsible for the most-iconic 356 body
style, the Speedster, which was a rather stripped down and basic
$2,995 version of the car with racing-style bucket seats, removable
side curtains instead of roll-up windows, and a low windshield that
the weekend racers who favored the model could easily remove.