For Sale: 1957 Porsche 356A in Costa Mesa, California

1957 Porsche 356A Speedster

• VIN No. 83555
• Engine No. 66194 - Matching
• Transmission No. 15177 - Matching
• Completed July 6, 1957
• Rudge Wheels
• Porsche Kardex

European Collectibles did an exceptional 20-month restoration on this 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster. This Speedster was completely disassembled and stripped to steel; the body was metal-finished and prepped for paint. All the body panels are matching and were pre-fitted along with the bumpers, overrider bars, windshield frame, and soft top frame to guarantee precise alignment and an outstanding final result. Finished in Graphite Metallic (color code 737), with a Red interior, German oatmeal square weave carpets, a black German canvas soft-top, a canvas boot cover, and side curtains. Options include USA overrider bumpers, a deluxe horn ring, sealed beam headlights, and a speedometer in miles. The chrome was triple-plated, and all original components were restored or replaced.

Mechanically, the Speedster is in impeccable condition. The restoration included a complete driveline rebuild, including the engine, transmission, suspension, braking system, fuel system, and a new wiring harness. The matching 1600cc engine runs perfectly, while the manual 4-speed transmission (Type 644) shifts smoothly through all the gears. The four-wheel drum braking system was completely rebuilt, including the master cylinder, brake lines, wheel cylinders, and brake shoes. The undercarriage has been fully detailed, along with all the suspension. The Speedster has been driven less than 1,000 miles since the restoration was completed, and the current owner has installed a restored set of date-coded chrome Rudge wheels that are simply stunning.

European Collectibles purchased three Porsches: a 1957 356A Speedster, a 1962 356B T6 Notchback Coupe, and a 1969 912 Sunroof Coupe through a dealer in Colorado, who made several trips to Western Wyoming to look at a collection and eventually brought all three Porsches. He also had the pleasure of meeting the owner of the Porsches before he passed away and heard his stories. The past owner was a Western Wyoming native. He purchased a 1962 356B T6 Notchback Coupe in Denver while attending the University of Wyoming in Cheyenne. Being a student at the time, he had to convince his mother to loan him the money for it. After college, he ended up in Idaho to pursue being a ski bum (also a ski instructor, which one sometimes does to allow themselves to ski as much as possible) and a musician; he later recorded a country LP in Nashville, Tennessee, and taught music for most of his "real" career. While living in Idaho, he spotted a 1957 Porsche Speedster. He discovered that a former fraternity brother owned the Speedster, and he purchased it from him in the late 1960s. This Speedster then became his daily driver for 10 years. After buying the Speedster, he stored the 356B T6 Notchback at his family's ranch in Wyoming. In the late 1970s, while living in Boise, Idaho, he purchased the 1969 912 Sunroof Coupe. After returning to western Wyoming and bringing the Speedster and the 912, the owner decided to restore the Speedster. The Speedster was found in the garage of his home, having been dismantled and re-painted in black and awaiting completion. The Speedster spent most of its time in Idaho and Western Wyoming, and the past owner had it for over five (5) decades until he passed in 2020.

Complete with tools, jack, owner's manual, boot cover, side curtains, Porsche Kardex, and a coffee table book documenting the restoration. It is one of the best Speedsters you will find, and it has no issues. The condition and the color combination are simply stunning! Superb in every way, ready for full concours, driving rallies, cars and coffee, or simply to enjoy the drive!