Vehicle Description
1958 Porsche 356A T2 Speedster
• VIN: 84XXX
• Completed on March 19, 1958
1st in class in Full Concour and 1st in Division on June 15, 2019,
at the Porsche Club of America White Glove Concour in Dana Point!
This T2 Speedster earned 324.3 out of 325 possible points.
European Collectibles performed a full Concours level restoration
over a 20-month period from 2017 to 2019. 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
had minimal rust. All of the decks and doors are matching. The
decks, doors, bumpers, over rider bars, windshield frame, and
soft-top were all pre-fit to ensure a perfect fit. The complete
driveline was rebuilt including the engine, transmission,
suspension, braking system, wire harness, and fuel system. All the
chrome was triple plated, and the components were either restored
or replaced.
According to the Kardex, originally finished in Meissen Blue with a
gorgeous Red interior. Driveline corresponds to the Kardex and is
matching. Options included USA overrider bumpers and a bench seat
but has now been upgraded to Speedster seats. Absolutely superb in
every way, ready for any concour event or to drive and enjoy. The
current owner has enjoyed it for the past 15 months and has driven
840 miles. Complete with tools, books, side curtains, boot cover,
Kardex & photo documentation of the restoration. Truly one of the
best 1958 T2 Speedsters that you will find!
Specification
• 60 horsepower
• 1,582cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder
engine
• Dual Zenith 32 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
• 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 around the world. 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.