Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
s/n 81127 engine no. P*605324*
White with Red Interior and White Piping

The Porsche Speedster is a true 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 MG`s. 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 particular car is an early production example with bee hive tail lights and early style instruments. It was sold new in Modesto, CA, and has been in California since new. It remained under the care of the same family from new until about five years ago, when its current owner acquired it. The car has been updated with a later ZF steering box and a 356B 1600cc engine, which has been rebuilt and fitted with Super 90 heads. The engine has been recently rebuilt (less than 500 miles ago) with a 1750cc big bore kit, though the owner had the old-style engine sheetmetal retained so that the engine appears to be a period correct motor. The car is nicely detailed and was repainted and reupholstered about four years ago in its original colors. The car retains its original floors and battery box, and appears never to have been hit.

The car is in very fine cosmetic condition. The paintwork was completed to high standards, and the body is straight with good gaps. The chrome and metal trim is very nice throughout, as are the lights and glass. The windscreen has been replaced and is like new, and the weather equipment has also been recently replaced and is excellent, with clear plastic and very nice black canvas.

The interior is also in very nice shape. Aside from the switches and instruments, everything has been restored or replaced. The upholstery is excellent, as is the carpet, which is of the correct square weave type. The rubber mats are also very nice. The instruments are unrestored and are very nice, and the knobs are original and have some hairline cracks, as does the steering wheel.

The engine compartment has been beautifully restored and is detailed and extremely clean. There are numerous correct touches such as the Knecht air cleaners and the various decals on the oil filter housing, fuse box, and ignition coil. The underside is in great shape. There is no evidence whatsoever of rust repair or damage, and it is extremely solid throughout. The mechanical components show much evidence of recent work and restoration, including engine rebuild, suspension work, and rebuilt brakes. The oil return lines are spotless were obviously replaced as part of the engine rebuild.

This is a superb opportunity to acquire an extremely solid California Speedster. This car presents beautifully and has great history, and has also been the recipient of much recent mechanical work. It comes with pink slip (which is actually pink in color!) issued on the 19th of April 1956, as well as a few old registration slips from the 1960’s and 1970’s (several of which have the never applied stickers in original plastic).

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.

Inquire About This Car

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