Vehicle Description
1957 Porsche 356A Speedster
• VIN 83714
• 2.4-liter Polopolus performance engine
• 901 4-speed transmission
• 911 suspension
• Porsche Kardex
This Speedster has been beautifully restored and is equipped with a
4-cylinder 2.4-liter Polo engine, 911 rear trailing arm suspension,
a manual 911 close ratio 4-speed transmission (type 901), and a
four-wheel disc braking system. It is finished in a desirable Black
(701) exterior color with a Black interior. A bare metal
restoration was completed in 2020; the black paintwork is in
exceptional condition with excellent gaps and panel fit. The
upholstery is pristine with black leatherette, charcoal German
square weave carpets, and a VDM steering wheel with a deluxe horn
ring. The dashboard accommodates a collection of special VDO
gauges, including a Carrera speedometer, a Carrera tachometer, and
a 904-combination gauge with fuel level, oil temperature, and oil
pressure.
In the early 1960s, VIN 83714 eventually came into the possession
of Porsche expert Bruce Anderson, who was also a proficient writer
in addition to his expertise in Porsches. One of his many works
includes the Porsche 911 Performance Handbook. It was stated that
during his ownership of this Speedster, he reportedly raced
throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, attending Autocross
events and various Porsche parades. The third owner, Mr. Rowzie,
saw this Speedster for the first time at the 1969 Porsche Parade in
Anaheim, California. Many years had passed, but Mr. Rowzie remained
bi-coastal friends with Anderson and was eventually offered the
opportunity to purchase the Speedster.
Following the acquisition of the Speedster in 1993, it underwent
several minor performance and cosmetic enhancements. Dissatisfied
with these upgrades, Mr. Rowzie engaged with Dean Polopolus of
Advance Performance Engineering in Temecula, California in 2008.
Polopolus was developing a distinctive, high-performance 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engine derived from a six-cylinder 911 case. After
extensive consultations with Polopolus, Rowzie decided to procure
and assemble a 2.4-liter Polo motor with Polopolus. The 901
transmission was removed and completely rebuilt with new gears and
synchromesh by Wills Werk in Fairfax, Virginia. The result was a
breathtaking performance from a 2.4-liter custom engine that
delivered approximately 180 horsepower.
In 2017, the Speedster was acquired by the 4th owner. The owner's
vision for the vehicle entailed maintaining the stock Speedster
exterior while integrating enhanced power and performance by
utilizing the Polo Motor and 911 gearbox. Subsequently, in 2019, a
meticulous bare metal restoration was initiated. A factory Glasspar
hard-top was purchased, fitted, and installed. The hard-top and the
body were painted Black (701), and Autobahn Auto Upholstery in
National City, California reupholstered the interior. Notable
improvements encompassed the installation of a 356C disc braking
system, dual-stage master cylinder, Koni shocks in the front, a
custom 911 sway bar, 911 rear trailing arm suspension, and Bilstein
shocks in the rear. 16" aluminum rims were custom built by Boyd
Coddington, fit to chrome Baby Moon hub caps, and mounted to
Pirelli 205 55 ZR16 tires. The undercarriage and battery box are
fully detailed, solid, and rust-free.
Mechanically powered by a 2.4-liter Polo motor generating
approximately 180 horsepower, mated to a 4-speed manual 901 close
ratio 911 gearbox, 911 rear trailing arm suspension, and a
four-wheel disc braking system. Complete with a Speedster hard-top,
soft-top, canvas boot cover, rear black tonneau cover, a featured
article in the May 2012 Excellence Magazine, spare wheel, jack,
tool kit, and 19 years of service records. This presents a rare
opportunity to procure a very tastefully upgraded Speedster
incorporating top-tier enhancements for exceptional
performance.
