Vehicle Description
1958 Porsche 356A T2 Speedster
VIN: 84515
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https://www.flickr.com/gp/149927902@N02/0T7Y13Cf56
• The Most "Iconic" 356
• Matching numbers engine, transmission, and body panels
• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
• Expertly concours-level restored
• Rudge wheels, Speedster Sport Bucket Seats
• Includes books, tool kit, jack, spare wheel/tire, boot cover, and
side curtains
• Extensive photo documentation of restoration
• Classic original color combination of Silver Metallic over Black
Leatherette interior
• The final year of 356 Speedster production
Created and built from the vision of America's most prolific
importers Max Hoffman, the Porsche 356 Speedster filled a void that
the clever automotive industrialist thought was lacking: a
lightweight, few frills, open top sports car. Infallible driving
characteristics of Porsche's early roadster along with its
fantastic styling drove its massive surge in popularity, rooting
Porsche's foothold in the United States. His intuition, again like
many other times, proved to be correct and the Speedster was a
resounding success. Finding iconic owners such as Steve McQueen saw
the Speedster's popularity shoot into the stratosphere, and today
these low-slung 356s are some of the most sought-after variants
built by Porsche.
This 1958 Porsche 356A T2 Speedster was one of the last Speedsters
to roll off the Porsche's production line as 1958 was the final
year of production. According to its Porsche Certificate of
Authenticity, it was completed on January 31st, 1958, optioned in
Silver Metallic paint with Black Leatherette seats. The COA also
lists the engine and transmission number, 68562 and 18232
respectively, which are numbers matching. Standard equipment
included a 60 horsepower 1,582cc OHV air-cooled flat four engine
with dual Zenith carburetors, a 4-speed 644 manual transmission,
independent front suspension with laminated torsion bars, parallel
trailing arms, tubular shock absorbers, independent rear swing
axles with torsion bars and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel
hydraulic disc brakes.
When restorers look for vehicles ideal for a complete restoration,
they often look for original tubs, rust and damage free as much as
possible, matching panels, and as many original parts that can be
saved to add to the authenticity. This Speedster fit that bill
perfectly. Stored in a garage for some time in New Mexico, the
little roadster sat undisturbed for many years. Upon being rolled
out from its New Mexico hideout, the body looked exceptional with
zero rust anywhere due to the arid climate. Photographs in the
restoration book show its original condition upon being found. It
was then decided to restore the 356 Speedster back to its original
condition when it was new.
During the restoration the Speedster was completely stripped down
to the bare metal. Pictures indicate that all panels were brought
down to the factory metal to ensure no details were missed.
Confirming suspicions, there was no rust anywhere on the body
panels due to being garaged in New Mexico. The 356 then went
through multiple stages that would yield a concours-level paint
finish in its original Certificate of Authenticity-confirmed Silver
Metallic paint color. Afterwards, the original windshield was
polished and reinstalled into the car. All componentry was rebuilt
and restored as necessary, including suspension, accessories,
chrome details, wiring harness, gauges, and more. Using only OEM
parts down to the last nut and bolt, this 356 Speedster is as close
to new in 1958 that you can get.
Critical components such as the matching numbers 1.6-liter flat
four engine and 4-speed manual transmission were disassembled,
inventoried, and completely rebuilt to factory specifications.
Photographs indicate the rebuild process of the engine and
transmission including the restoration of all other components. The
Speedster's interior, Black Leatherette, was completely restored to
factory specifications. Oatmeal Germany square weave carpets were
installed for an authentic restoration. Photographs indicate the
installation process.
After completion of the restoration, this 1958 Porsche 356A T2
Speedster presents wonderfully. With its matching numbers engine
and transmission confirmed by the Porsche Certificate of
Authenticity, matching body panels throughout, and expertly
restored back to its original specification of 1958 per the COA,
this Speedster is ready to drive another half century.
Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector vehicle for sale is put
through and extensive and diligent process called the "Canepa
Difference". This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical
inspection where all systems are checked and serviced as necessary.
They also receive award-winning concours-level detail, including a
thorough cleaning of every surface that ensures that every car is a
sight to behold.