Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

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.