356 Speedster Background
It was the US importer Max Hoffmann who convinced Porsche there was a market for their cars in America. He requested an inexpensive Porsche with reduced furnishings costing less than 3,000 dollars. In autumn 1954, Porsche produced a significantly less expensive version than the 356 America Roadster, which included ‘Speedster’ in the model name for the first time and quickly caused a sensation in the world of motor sports. It combined the sheet steel body of the cabriolet with a raked windscreen, reduced interior equipment and a rain top. In the USA, the 356 1500 Speedster cost just 2,995 US dollars and became an instant hit in the sunny coastal states.
Between 1954 to 1959 Porsche built 4,144 Speedster’s in total.
The 1958 Speedster type T2 is the most desirable, sought after, and truly the best to drive of all the Speedsters from 1954 to 1958. With the ZF steering box, high bow top frame, and a better shifter position that is closer to the driver, there is nothing better.
BACKGROUND TO 84896
We were alerted to this amazing Speedster through one of our long term friends in the US, Vince Bobba. Vince is a very well-known and respected 356 Porsche collector/restorer and has a very significant collection of 356’s including a several 4 Cams and is currently restoring a very rare, matching numbers 4 digit split window Coupe.
Willhoit contacted Vince and alerted him to a wonderful, original Speedster he was working on which the owner was looking to sell. They were running through the engine, transmission, brakes suspension and steering with the owner eventually investing over $60,000.00 on the works.
Per its Kardex it has engine number 67242, transaxle 16536 BBAB. It was delivered new to the US via Hoffman Motors. It’s original manufacture date is October 8, 1957 and the car was originally silver which was a very rare colour on a late Speedster, in fact only 32 Speedsters left the factory in Silver in the 58 MY production run.
On inspection Vince reported back as follows….The Speedster presents really nicely as a really well sorted driver quality, numbers matching car. The front hood and rear deckled have 896 stamped visibly on them. The car is in remarkable structural condition, having no rust. The car appears to have never been in an accident. I spent 3 hours with the car and it runs and drives wonderfully. According to the seller the car was painted approximately 20 years ago. The paintwork is a little tired, but presentable. The doors open and close really nicely. For a 20 year old paint job in silver metallic, it’s about what one would expect. With $60,000 more invested it, the value would go up $100K, and although unnecessary to currently do, the car can be made more valuable with further investment. Me, I’d drive it as it is and worry about painting it down the road. This is a really nice Speedster to drive, enjoy, and not worry about damaging a precious show car. A great car to have in my opinion.
Five years ago, the current owner, purchased it off a consignment lot. At that time, several things were done at a cost of $50K. The car was driven around 800 miles during the past five years of ownership.
The refurbishment completed with Willhoit was: front suspension and steering complete rebuild (steering box, coupler, tie rod ends, link and kingpins and wheel bearings). The brake drums were turned and the shoes arced to the drums, the master cylinder was converted to a dual circuit system. The wheel cylinders were rebuilt at that time too, along with new hoses. An upgraded 17.5mm sway bar was fitted, which coupled with the new tie rods, rebuilt steering and brake system, make for an extremely pleasurable ride. The car has been converted to a 12V system, with all electrical components converted as well. The engine was resealed and adjusted. It starts up immediately. the exhaust system is essentially new and doesn’t leak. There is a slight oil leak at the oil pump, which should be looked at. The top fits nicely and has its cover for use while open. The side curtains are present as well.
NUMBERS
PAINT AND INTERIOR
The Speedster arrived in early 2020 and on inspection at our facility we found the car to be quite and exceptional car.
Under instruction from the new owner we carried out a full repaint and interior trim in leather and corduroy. We carfully hand stripped the bodyshell and the metalwork was, increadably original showing no dents, no body filler, no damage and no rust. All of the factory lead-work was in place and the doors, bonnet and engine lid were in exceptional condition.
The shell and panels were carefully prepared and the car was painted in her original colour of Silver Metallic (608). We also carried out a full retrim of the car completing the car in full black leather with corduroy seat inserts.
In addition to the repaint we have fitted a full leather interior with corduroy seat inserts to the seats, new tonneau cover, all brightwork has been restored, new bumper deco trims and overriders, full seal kit and a new Sigla windscreen, new Michelin XYX tyres and tubes.
The Speedster has recently been the subject of a 7 page feature in the August 2022 edition of CLASSIC PORSCHE MAGAZINE
CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2022
We presented the finished car at this years Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court along with a collection of very special and rare classic Porsches.
This car represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully prepared, fully matching numbers Porsche 356 T2A Speedsters finished in its original and rare colour of Silver Metallic.
The car is UK registered and ready to be enjoyed.
We are able to assist with international shipping, transport and storage.
For more information about this Porsche 356A Speedster for sale in our Cranfield facility or to arrange an appointment, please contact our sales team on 01908 921256 or 07956 349877.
