Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

The paintwork is in beautiful condition, with excellent gaps and panel fit. Marchal driving lights are mounted to the front bumper with desirable beehive taillights. The front turn-signal chrome bezels, rear beehive chrome bezels, and chrome shine down license plate light have all been restored with the correct stamping. The interior features Speedster seats, trimmed in Red with White piping, complemented by a black German canvas soft top, red vinyl boot cover, VDO instrumentation, and accented by a VDM wooden steering wheel. 4.5 x 15-inch painted steel wheels are mounted to Vredestein Sprint Classic tires with chrome “Super” hubcaps. The undercarriage is immaculate, solid, rust-free, and detailed.

For more than 35 years of long-term single-family ownership, the Speedster underwent a bare-metal restoration under the direction of a respected Porsche specialist, Vince Bobba. Metal work was done by Dink Farmer from Northern California, Ron Chuck rebuilt the 1600 Super engine, and Bill Richardson rebuilt the transmission. The final result was a show-quality Speedster. Additional improvements were completed by Willhoit Auto Restoration in August 2016, including the installation of a dual-circuit brake system, a WR 17.5 mm sway bar, an oil sump kit, valve covers, a VDM wood steering wheel, Koni adjustable shocks, a rebuilt steering box, new tie rods, and a sport muffler. The past owner acquired this Speedster in 2017 and maintained the 356, and has enjoyed it over the past eight years. Recently, the valves were adjusted, the oil and all fluids have been changed, and new tires have been installed.

Mechanically, powered by the matching 1600 cc Super engine (Type 1600S), producing 75 horsepower, paired with the matching 4-speed manual transmission (Type 519) and four-wheel drum brakes. Excellent running and driving condition with plenty of power, a smooth shifting transmission, and brakes that stop the 356. Complete with an owner’s manual, tool kit, jack, side curtains, spare wheel, photographs documenting the restoration, and service records. A superb restoration, beautifully detailed, and meticulously maintained. Porsche’s most iconic open 356 is the Speedster. This Speedster is an exceptional offering for any collector to show, rally, or just to enjoy the drive!