Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

European Collectibles performed a full concours level restoration from the begging of 2017 and completed October of 2018. During the restoration, this 356 was completely disassembled so that every aspect could be properly addressed. The 356 was stripped down to the bare tub. All of the decks and doors are matching. The decks, doors, bumpers, over rider bars, windshield frame, and soft-top were all pre-fit to ensure a perfect fit. The complete driveline was rebuilt including the engine, transmission, suspension, braking system, wire harness, and fuel system. All the chrome was triple plated and all of the components were either restored or replaced.

Specification
60 horsepower, 1,582cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with dual Zenith carburetors, four-speed manual 644 transmission, independent front suspension with laminated torsion bars, parallel trailing arms, and tubular shock absorbers, independent rear swing axles with torsion bars and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in.

History
Porsche has the Speedster to thank for their success in the United States. Without this little convertible, it could be argued that Porsche sales might not have ever taken off in the fiercely competitive U.S. market. The car’s low-slung and focused looks appealed to sports car enthusiasts and its price of just under $3,000 definitely helped to get Speedsters off the showroom floors and out onto the open road. Boasting few creature comforts but excellent driving characteristics, it helped cement Porsche’s reputation in the United States and earned it a hugely desirable portion of the sports car market at a time when the motto of most British marques was “export or die.”

The Speedster holds a special place in Porsche history, not only as a sales success but also as an icon of minimalist automotive design. It remains a beloved vehicle today, and a well-restored and properly maintained Speedster, such as this example, is on the wish list of nearly every car enthusiast around the world. Motoring enthusiasts new to the classic car world are well served to acquire a “blue chip” Porsche such as this.