Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

Instantly recognisable by virtue of its low, wraparound (as opposed to V-shaped) windscreen; smaller and entirely retractable hood; lower door waistline; horizontal trim strip at the level of the door handles; and twin bucket seats, all of which served to emphasise its sporting image, the Speedster was effectively an ‘economy’ model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-litre version of Porsche’s horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1.6-litre engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this made the Speedster an instant success in the burgeoning North American sports car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular (4,822 examples being constructed between 1954 and ’58) and today this most handsome of the 356 variants enjoys iconic status.

In California during the 1970s, the Speedster was serviced at Lukes & Shorman Inc (Bay Area Porsche specialists). The Porsche was restored in 1976 and its use in a local competitions is documented. In April 1986, at 86,442 miles, a pre-purchase inspection was carried for Emile Ragoof of San Anselmo, CA (the report survives). In July 1986 at 86,938 miles, the Speedster was sold (see handwritten ownership note on file). IN addition there are invoices dating from the 1980s and 1990s for regular servicing: shock absorbers, carburettor kits, braking system parts, etc.

In 2019 a comprehensive bare-metal restoration was carried out by Piotr Bem Classic Porsche Restoration (Poland). The rebuild included bodywork; a mechanical overhaul (engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes); electrical system; and a complete interior retrim. The restoration was carried out under a formal contract with staged invoices (Rozliczenie 1–8), which are on file together with Excel cost calculations and a full photographic record. The invoices document all stages of the restoration including disassembly, metalwork repairs, lead loading, paint, gearbox rebuild, brake and steering overhauls, upholstery, and final tuning. Overall restoration costs exceeded PLN 166,000 (US$44,820) plus parts, evidencing the scope and quality of the work. Supporting documentation includes the following:

• Porsche Kardex
• US ownership and service notes
• Invoices from Lukes & Shorman and other Bay Area specialists
• 1986 pre-purchase inspection report
• Restoration contract, Rozliczenie 1-8 invoices, Excel cost summary
• Full photographic record of the 2019 restoration

Supported by the foregoing provenance, this fully matching Speedster – boasting in-period competition history – has been treated to a last-nut-and-bolt restoration by a recognised Porsche 356 specialist and comes from one of the most important Porsche collections in Poland. Additional equipment offered consists of a driver’s manual and tonneau cover.