For Sale: 1957 Porsche 356 in Costa Mesa, California

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, first saw this Speedster 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, to build the engine in 2008-2009. 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 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 Speedster entailed maintaining the stock Speedster exterior while integrating enhanced power and performance by utilizing the Polo Motor and 911 gearbox. 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 included the installation of a 356C disc-braking system, a dual-stage master cylinder, Koni shocks in the front, a custom 911 sway bar, a 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 solid, rust-free, and fully detailed.

Mechanically powered by a 2.4-liter Polo motor generating approximately 180 horsepower, mated to a manual 4-speed 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 20 years of service records. This presents a rare opportunity to procure a very tastefully upgraded Speedster incorporating top-tier enhancements for exceptional performance.