Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

The vehicle in detail

1958 Porsche 356A 1600 T2 Speedster with Hardtop
Chassis no. 84070
• Delivered new in the USA
• Restored extensively 2015-2017 (bills available)
• Rare factory hardtop included
• Tastefully modified for Historic rallies

In 1952 Porsche constructed a trial batch of 15 roadsters at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who had persuaded the German manufacturer of the potential for a ‘cut-price’ entry-level model that would appeal to the North American market. The roadsters’ successful reception in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954; in effect, an ‘economy’ model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars.

Stripped of all unnecessary amenities – even the heater was optional – the Speedster established a formidable presence on both the road and in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular, and today this most handsome of the 356 variants enjoys iconic status.

Chassis number ‘84070’ was delivered new to the USA and first registered on 1st July 1958. The car was comprehensively restored during 2015-2017 and comes with invoices totalling approximately €120,000, testifying to the rebuild’s extensive scope.

When purchased by the current owner in 1999, the car had an older restoration and was used frequently for rallies across Europe. In 2015 to facilitate its restoration the body was mounted on a straightening jig to make subsequent work easier and ensure exact gap dimensions. The body was then immersed in a KTL sealing bath.

A recent third party test protocol states that the engine has been comprehensively overhauled and that it starts easily and runs well, while the gearbox has been exchanged for a reconditioned unit and reportedly shifts smoothly.

Additionally, the car is equipped with a roll-bar and a twin-pipe exhaust system. An OMP fire extinguisher is installed in the space provided for the rear seat, and OMP seatbelts are installed.

Further to emphasise the Speedster’s sporty character, the headlights fitted with protective grilles, and fog lights installed. The speedometer and rev counter are highlighted in green. In addition, an oil temperature gauge is installed beneath the dashboard, and a daily odometer on the right-hand side. The steering wheel is a three-spoke wooden item.

The last owner has attended various historic rallies with the Speedster, which has been used sparingly since 2017. The car comes with German registration documents; a third party condition report by Franc Gourge at KFZ-Sachverständige; a rare factory hardtop; and the aforementioned restoration invoices.