Vehicle Description
Inspired by the rare Gl�ser-bodied 356 America roadster, Porsche's
356 Speedster was spurred into existence by the influential New
York automobile importer Max Hoffman, who perceived that sufficient
demand existed for a less expensive, no-frills open Porsche model.
Stuttgart's Reutter Karosserie revised the 356 America's original
body styling and devised the Speedster's signature high-waisted
body style, which quickly became one of Porsche's most celebrated
design cues. Retaining the 356 America's 'Type 540' internal
designation, the sleeker Reutter-built 356 Speedster debuted in
1954 and brought the joys of Porsche ownership to a wider audience.
Exuding an adventurous, avant-garde flair, the Speedster featured a
racy cut-down removable windscreen, simple bucket seats, and a
low-profile soft top and side curtains for weather protection.
Instruments consisted only of a speedometer and temperature gauge,
with a tachometer and heater optional, holding the price just under
$3,000 when the Speedster debuted at New York. Envisioned as a
vehicle capable of being driven daily then taken to the track,
quickly prepared, and successfully raced on weekends, the Speedster
immediately built a formidable reputation on American racetracks in
SCCA competition with sharper acceleration and handling.
Exemplifying the wonderful dual-purpose nature of the Speedster,
Erich B�cklers drove the Road & Track magazine test car to victory
in a 1,500-cc sports-car race at California's Willow Springs
racetrack just a few days before the magazine's road test. Ideally
suited for American SCCA competition, the 356 Speedster was
devastatingly effective and an unqualified "giant killer" with the
era's top amateur drivers and rising stars behind the wheel, with
the Speedster out-braking out-handling the competition with
remarkable ease everywhere it appeared. On the road, the
Speedster's ultra-modern attitude made it an instant hit from its
launch in 1954 with buyers and an enduring classic that continues
to captivate successive generations of Porsche enthusiasts today. A
July 1955 Motor Trend magazine road test report neatly summarized
the Speedster experience particularly well, stating "Its size,
power, easy shift, and steering make it fun to drive...The brakes
are extremely good...they get you out of situations where you may
have delayed too long...For a sports car, and especially such a
small one, the Porsche Speedster has a very smooth ride...There's
absolutely no wallowing when it comes out of a dip." Only some 200
Speedsters were initially produced, but strong demand meant
production exceeded 1,000 examples in 1955. Late that year, the 356
series design received its first major revision to improved 356A
specification, with the cars further removed from their early
Volkswagen-based mechanical roots. The early 356 models built
through 1955 are often retrospectively called "Pre-A" by marque
enthusiasts, and they occupy a particularly special place in
Porsche's glorious history.Annual 356 Speedster production
eventually peaked at 1,416 units in 1957 and just 2,922 were built
in total. A simply fabulous example of the iconic 356 Speedster,
this highly desirable early "Pre-A" model from 1955 is accompanied
by a corresponding Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming
original details. It continues to benefit most handsomely from a
superbly preserved and well-detailed restoration completed during
the 1990s. The recipient of an AACA Senior National First Prize
award, which speaks to the quality and accuracy of the restoration,
this Speedster remains in excellent order throughout. Finished in
its originally specified and excellent Red paint over Black
leatherette-covered bucket seats and oatmeal carpets as originally
equipped, it is accented by excellent brightwork and details
including beehive taillights, chrome bumper overriders and headlamp
stone guards. The crisp, finely preserved interior is in excellent
order, and features a proper Sonnendeck canvas top accompanied by
matching canvas side curtains in a vinyl stowage bag. In addition
to the aforementioned Porsche Certificate of authenticity, this
iconic and immensely collectible early 356 Speedster is accompanied
by a factory tool roll which resides in the well-detailed trunk.
Power is delivered by a period-correct Type 546/2 1500 cc engine,
which is well detailed with correct markings and hardware. While
output is modest, the sublime balance and minimal weight afford
superb handling and braking ability. From the skimpy bucket seats,
to the classic ivory two-spoke wheel, the minimalist cockpit of the
Speedster is all about pure unfettered driving pleasure. A
wonderful example of the eminently desirable Porsche 356 Speedster,
it is ready for show display or classic touring enjoyment along
your favorite stretch of winding B-road. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7337-1955-porsche-356-speedster/
