Vehicle Description
Few sports cars embody the essence of pure, unfiltered driving
quite like the Porsche 356 Speedster. Introduced in 1954 at the
urging of influential U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was
Porsche's answer to the growing demand for a lightweight,
affordable sports car tailored to the American market. Stripped of
excess, it featured a removable side curtain setup in place of
roll-up windows, a low, raked windscreen that could be removed for
competition use, and a bare-bones interior with lightweight bucket
seats. These characteristics made the Speedster an instant favorite
among sports car purists and weekend racers, who valued its nimble
handling, reliability, and competitive price point. While its
affordability attracted enthusiasts, it was the Speedster's
undeniable charm and capability that cemented its place in Porsche
history. With its minimalist construction and rear-mounted
air-cooled flat-four engine, the Speedster was a darling of club
racing circuits, favored by amateur racers and professional drivers
alike. Gentlemen racers who sought a versatile car for both street
and track found the Speedster to be the perfect blend of
performance and practicality. Names such as James Dean, John von
Neumann, and Bruce Jennings were among the many who piloted these
machines in their early careers. By 1958, the Speedster had reached
its final and most refined iteration-the 356 A T2. Benefiting from
continuous development, the T2 introduced a revised rear
suspension, a more robust transaxle with improved shifting
characteristics, and various refinements that enhanced both
performance and usability. This final-year Speedster represents the
pinnacle of Porsche's first-generation production sports cars,
blending race-proven engineering with timeless styling. However,
despite its cult following, 1958 would also mark the Speedster's
swan song. Porsche discontinued the model in favor of the more
comfort-oriented Convertible D, making the final-year T2 one of the
most desirable and sought-after examples today. Completed in
January 1958 at Porsche's Zuffenhausen works, this 356 A T2
Speedster, chassis no. 84958, stands as a superb example of this
final evolution. Originally finished in elegant Ivory over a black
interior, it was uniquely specified with coupe seats-an uncommon
factory departure from the Speedster's traditional lightweight
buckets. This subtle modification provided enhanced comfort while
preserving the Speedster's unmistakable character. Discovered in
1988, this Speedster was acquired by a passionate Porsche collector
with a deep appreciation for both the model's aesthetics and
dynamic prowess. Under his stewardship, the car underwent a
comprehensive, bare-metal restoration. It was refinished in a
striking red, and several thoughtful enhancements were made to
improve performance and drivability, including the installation of
a 1,720cc Porsche 912-derived engine, an upgraded transaxle, and
improved braking components. This highly capable Speedster proved
to be a superb long-distance touring companion, participating in
numerous vintage motoring events, including the prestigious
California Mille and Japan's renowned Nippon Rally. Throughout this
extended ownership, the car remained well-maintained and
mechanically sorted, ensuring it remained a road-ready icon. As the
owner's tastes evolved, the Speedster was once again
refinished-this time in black-before ultimately being acquired by
its next caretaker. Today, this Speedster is accompanied by a
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, restoration photos showcasing
its sound bare-metal foundation, and a trove of maintenance records
documenting its meticulous care. The sale includes a black
Speedster top, tonneau cover, and comprehensive documentation
attesting to its provenance. A set of wider wheels and tires, ideal
for more spirited driving, will accompany the car in the sale.
Lastly, the Speedster has been freshly fitted with new Vredestein
tires, priming it for the open road once more. Sporting a
high-performance 912 engine, factory-fitted coupe seats, and
stylish bumper overriders, this 356 A T2 Speedster masterfully
blends historical significance with enhanced drivability. A true
road-ready icon, it promises to be an exhilarating rally companion
while retaining the timeless allure that has made the Speedster one
of Porsche's most beloved models. Whether destined for spirited
weekend drives, shows, or vintage rallies, this Porsche represents
an exceptional opportunity for the collector or enthusiast seeking
a beautifully prepared and well-documented example of one of
Stuttgart's most celebrated creations. Offers welcome, trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7863-1958-porsche-356a-t2-1600-speedster/
