Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 82759
Engine No. 63487
Transmission No. 12052
In the 1950s, Porsche was a tight knit, family-run company that
rarely accepted outside input-even from its own dealers whose
livelihoods depended on cars suited to their customers. Yet in the
early part of the decade, Max Hoffman, Porsche's sole U.S.
importer, made a key suggestion for a model tailored to the
American market, particularly the West Coast. He proposed a simple,
lightweight, open-top car built with readily serviceable
components. Porsche answered in 1952 with the aluminum-bodied 356
America Roadster, which, despite only 16 units being sold, proved
the concept had merit. Its limited production didn't reflect its
influence: the car's minimalist appeal and competition successes
demonstrated that a pared-down sports car could succeed-if built to
a price. By 1953, Hoffman and new West Coast distributor, John Von
Neumann urged Porsche to create a more affordable model, resulting
in Project Typ 540, later known as the Speedster. Thanks to Von
Neumann's input, luxury features were stripped. Retailing at
$2,995, the 356 Speedster became a Porsche icon and an immediate
worldwide sales success.
The chassis registry contained with the seminal Porsche Speedster
Typ 540, reveals that 1957 356 A Speedster chassis number 82759 was
originally finished in Red with a 1,600 cc Type 616/1 engine. At a
time when Porsche continued to offer their 1,300 cc engine, the 60
horsepower 616/1 was the second most powerful pushrod engine in
Porsche's flat-four lineup. A copy of the Speedster's Kardex
warranty card records additional detail. Delivered on 26 November
1956, like nearly every Speedster brought to the United States, it
entered through The Hoffman Motorcar Co. with limited options that
included U.S.-market sealed beam headlights and bumpers.
Furthermore, the Kardex lists both the original engine and
transmission serial numbers, with both numbers matching units
remaining with this preserved example today. Additionally, upon
inspection, the Type 616/1 flat-four retains all three matching
pieces stamped "868" at the factory. It's not just the drivetrain
that has stood the test of time. The Speedster wears an older
cosmetic restoration and is believed to have spent most-if not
all-of its life in Southern California collections; most recently
in San Diego and the greater Los Angeles area. As a result, the
body and numerous date stamped and serialized components such as
the fuel tank, sending unit, spare wheel, front hood hinge, engine
lid (both stamped "759") remain original to the car. In its current
state, it may be the ideal vessel that captures the aura of cool
that surrounds 356 Speedsters, especially those patinated examples
that can be driven and enjoyed with confidence.
In advance of its listing with Broad Arrow Private Sales, the
Speedster received a thorough detail further enhancing an already
attractive example finished in its original colors. The sale also
includes a white-painted fiberglass aftermarket hardtop and
aluminum-framed side curtains, a popular period addition that
provides a very stylish look. Accompanied by its original toolkit,
side curtains, and jack, this matching numbers 356 Speedster is
sure to be a fun addition to any collection where the experience of
pure driving enjoyment is paramount.
