Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster

Le véhicule en détail

Built at the request of Max Hoffman, Porsche’s influential New York-based importer, the 356 Speedster was a pared-down, performance-focused alternative to inexpensive British sports cars from MG, Austin-Healey, and Triumph. Stripped of nonessential features to reduce cost and weight, it came equipped with a removable windshield, lightweight bucket seats, and a basic folding top with side curtains. A hit with buyers and club racers, the Speedster proved a commercial success, with 4,145 examples built between 1954 and 1958.

In a June 1956 review, Car & Driver declared, “The new Porsche 1600 is one of the world’s truly fine cars. Every hour adds to your appreciation of its design, workmanship, and performance. It’s superb in traffic, on the highway, and unbeatable on winding roads. As a precision instrument for high average speeds regardless of terrain, it’s a revelation.”

Completed on November 4, 1957, this 356 A Speedster is one of 1,131 examples built in the updated T-2 body style introduced early that year. According to a copy of the Porsche Kardex on file, chassis 84052 was originally finished in Aquamarine Blue (code 5707), a striking color applied to just 335 Speedsters. Built for the US market and delivered through Hoffman Motors in New York, it features US-specification bumpers, a speedometer in miles per hour, and sealed-beam headlights.

Purchased by a long term California owner in 1961, this Speedster was later acquired by Thomas Munger, a longtime enthusiast known for owning numerous 356s and performing high-quality restorations. Munger discovered this black-plate California car and sympathetically restored it to original specification. Even today, the Speedster retains its matching-numbers engine and serial-numbered body panels including the hood and engine lid. Around 2015, the current owner set out to acquire one of the finest Porsche 356 Speedsters available, enlisting the guidance of marque experts Dirk Layer and Prescott Kelly. Their search led to this example, which checked every box in terms of year, color, authenticity, and overall quality. A letter on file from Tom Munger to the current owner reads, “I love this Speedster, but have a hard time driving it now because of the value. My son grew up in this car and it’s a very sad day for the both of us.”

In the care of its current owner for nearly a decade, the Speedster has been sparingly driven and regularly maintained, evidenced by numerous service and maintenance receipts. An exceptionally well-restored example finished in one of the most sought-after colors, it is offered with an original owner’s manual, Reutter body maintenance instruction book, jack, tool roll, date-coded spare wheel, side curtains, and a copy of the Porsche Kardex. It remains a truly standout example of one of Porsche’s most iconic and collectible models.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.
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