Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

Chassis No. 82624

Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster was built at the behest of Porsche’s renowned U.S. importer Max Hoffman as an affordable Porsche able to compete in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. The spartan, purpose-built sports car was devoid of luxury equipment, leaving a low-profile windscreen, three circular VDO dashboard instruments, and two bucket seats. The 356 A quickly became a popular boulevard race car for some and a class-winning SCCA race car for others before assuming its final 356 A form with the 1600 for 1956. The 1600 boasted an almost ten-percent horsepower increase and made over 100 mph possible for the first time in the Speedster.

The included copy of its Kardex warranty card indicates that this 1957 356 A 1600 Speedster was built for the U.S. market and imported through Hoffman Motors Corporation in New York 25 September 1956. It was originally specified in Signal Red (Reutter color code 601) over a Black leatherette interior and was fitted with sealed beam headlights and a speedometer in miles.

This example resided in inland California for much of its life until it was purchased by the Missouri-based consignors in March 2011. At this point the car had been painted Ivory over tan, so its long-term residency in the dry climates of the Golden State made it a fitting candidate for a full cosmetic and mechanical overhaul. Jerry Marquis of Costa Mesa, California began a year and a half-long restoration that included stripping body and repainting it in its current period-correct Aquamarine Blue Metallic over a Red interior.

After the restoration was completed in March 2017, the consignor took full advantage of the 356’s striking new presentation, driving the car to fair weather local Porsche events. Furthermore, the Speedster which is noted to retain its original front hood and engine lid with partial chassis stamps and its fuel tank date stamped ‘9 56,’ is offered with a new black folding soft top, side curtains, and tools.

This 1957 356 A 1600 Speedster now emerges from over 15 years in an esteemed collection curated by noted lifelong Porsche enthusiasts. It is accompanied by a Driver’s Manual, Porsche Certificate, and Kardex. Benefitting from an attractive restoration and long-term Porsche enthusiast history, this example is an ideal companion for rallies, tours, and any occasion that calls for a memorable drive— while its arresting livery guarantees it will turn heads every mile of the way.