Vehicle Description
1956 Porsche 356A T1 Speedster
• VIN 82XXX
• Engine No. 70454
• Transmission No. 64689
• Completed on July 13, 1956
• One of 1,155 356A Speedsters produced from September 1955 -
August 1957
This 356A T1 Speedster with beehive taillights was completed on
July 13, 1956, and was delivered by Hoffman Motors in New York.
Originally finished in Red over Black leatherette upholstery
according to the Porsche Kardex. Optional equipment from the
factory included Sealed Beam Headlights and Speedometer in
Miles.
Beautifully presented in Silver Metallic (5606) over Red
leatherette upholstery. The paintwork is in superb condition and is
complemented by the brightwork and aluminum trim. The interior has
been completely reupholstered and presents like new with correct
German materials, a factory VDM steering wheel, and VDO
instrumentation. The undercarriage was stripped to bare metal,
undercoated with German Wurth undershoot and the suspension has
been detailed. The 4 �" x 15" chrome wheels are in excellent
condition with baby moon hubcaps fitted to Sprint Classic
Vredestein 165 HR15 tires.
Mechanically powered by a period-correct 1600cc flat-four engine
(type 616/36 case) with all correct linkage, fuel pump, fan shroud,
and duel Solex 32 PBIC carburetors. This Speedster runs phenomenal
with plenty of power and is paired to a smooth shifting manual
4-speed 741 transmission with four wheels drum brakes. The
electrical system has been upgraded from 6 volts to 12 volts.
Complete with spare wheel, side curtains, boot cover, and Porsche
Kardex. An excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored
Speedster that is finished in a very desirable color
combination.
History
The Speedster was simple, and its light weight made it more fun to
drive than the cabriolet. The windshield was cut down and the top
curved, and an aluminum side spear made the car appear even lower.
Tiny side screens replaced roll-up windows, and the top was
minimal. The dashboard was made lighter with revised gauges, a
padded lip, and no glove box. Seats were lower and non-reclining.
The Speedster literally took off in the U.S., finding over 4,144
enthusiastic buyers between 1954 and 1958. The venerable Speedster
was a fixture at American tracks in the 1950s, driven by anybody
who was anybody, from importer John Von Neumann to future F1 world
champion Dan Gurney and meteoric movie star James Dean. Skip Hudson
was black-flagged when lying 3rd at the 1955 Torrey Pines races and
had to explain to the judges that he didn't have to slow down for
the corners because he could four-wheel drift around them.
