Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Speedster
s/n 80913 engine number P-34242
White with Red interior

The Porsche Speedster is a legend among automobiles. Built with the less is more mentality, it was actually a case of removing equipment to reduce the cost of the car and compete with less expensive cars. Ironically, the cars are more collectible now and worth considerably more than their plusher counterparts. The car was built in direct response to requests for American Porsche distributor Max Hoffman for a car that would sell better in the United States and would be inexpensive enough to compete with Triumphs and MGs. The resulting car had only what was necessary: side curtains, a cut down windscreen, bucket seats, and a rudimentary top. The cars sold well, especially in the United States, and were popular among racers and enthusiasts. Certainly they occupy a unique place among American sports car culture, particularly California culture, where the car’s configuration and rudimentary weather equipment were and remain particularly appropriate.

This car was owned by Mr. Darleigh Long and was parked in a warehouse in Sacramento in 1968. It was stripped for restoration in 1970, but never completed, and was then sold in approximately 2002-2003 to Mr. Mark Hansen of Orangevale, Ca. (also near Sacramento). Mr. Hansen sold the car to well-known and award-winning 356 restorer Bill King in 2010. Mr. King undertook a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration, completing the car in 2013. The car has covered a total of 19 miles since 1968!

Mr. King overhauled the 1500 normal motor, had the original 519 transmission rebuilt by German Transaxle of America in Bend, Oregon. The suspension, shocks, brakes and even the wiper motor were rebuilt. The body was completely restored with the only panel replacement required being the battery box and nose panel. Original colors were used on the body and interior. All of the original 16 inch wheels are correctly date coded, and the car comes with tools, jack, and manual. While Porsche does not have a Kardex or history for this particular chassis number, the motor and transmission numbers fall within the range appropriate for this chassis number and both the engine and transmission are believed to be original to the car.

The restoration was performed to very high standards and the car is in excellent cosmetic shape, with an extremely straight and solid body. The gaps and panel fit are extremely good throughout, and the paintwork was done to generally high standards across the board. The chrome and trim are correct throughout and in excellent shape. The glass and lights are also in excellent, freshly-restored condition.

The interior has been beautifully restored with correct square weave carpeting and fantastically-executed seat upholstery. The dashboard was completely redone, including instruments, switches, and trim. The correct rubber floor mats are in place, and every aspect of the interior was restored, including the wiring, under dash area, and weather equipment, which includes side curtains, top, and top boot.

The engine compartment is spotlessly restored and detailed, with work done to the highest and most correct standards. The cosmetic level of preparation in the engine compartment is very high, and the correct finishes and decals are present throughout, including the orange oil filter housing and correct type brown ignition distributor cap. The front compartment is equally well-restored, with date-code matching spare, rubber mat, and nicely freshly restored inner fenders.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a long time California car that was off the road in dry storage for 45 years. Freshly restored by an award-winning 356 specialist, this car has never been shown, but would likely do well with relatively minor additional preparation. It is complete with weather equipment, tools, jack, and manual.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608