Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster
s/n 80693, Engine no. 41346
Speedster White (R603) with Red Interior

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. It was completed on the 8th of July 1955, and delivered in the color combination it wears today, per its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, which is included with the car. While under the care of a long term owner, the car was comprehensively restored to high standards in 1999. The paint and bodywork were done by Cecil Beach, and the engine/mechanical components by Bob Grisby, and upholstery by Baskin. Since then, the car has been owned by an enthusiastic collector who is well known for his Porsche motorsports exploits (including impressive performances at Pikes Peak). It was featured in a Porsche promotional video “The Art of Driving” to mark the introduction of the Boxster S, and was recently featured in the 2009 Porsche “Family Tree” advertisement for the Panamera. Representing the 356 Speedster, the car was part of the 2009 Porsche Family Gathering in which dozens of famous Porsches from over the years were gathered at one place.

The car remains an excellent specimen of the legendary 356 Speedster, and was recently (September 2010) serviced at Andial to include the replacement of the oil and fuel filters, new spark plugs, adjustment of the carburetors, setting of gaps and timing, safety check, and compression check, which indicated 145-150psi on all four cylinders.

Cosmetically, the car is extremely nice. The paint is in excellent shape, and the body is solid, straight, and displays very good fit. The chrome is very nice across the board, including the wheels, and the trim is also in fine order. The top and other weather equipment are also very nice.

The interior is excellent overall, with extremely nice upholstery and carpets. The dashboard is very nice, as are the instruments. The steering wheel finish has a few chips, and there are some cracks to the horn button. The carpets are the correct square weave material, and the rubber floor mats are correct in type and excellent. The car has a pair of lap belts fitted, as well as a matching red tonneau cover.

The engine compartment and trunk are both solid, tidy, and appear as they should. The spare is held in place with a correct type leather strap, and the engine is well detailed and correct in appearance throughout. Though the engine is not matching numbers, it is of the correct type, and is only 33 numbers off. The undercarriage is exceptionally solid and free of rust and other signs of structural damage.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a lovely early Speedster in its original color combination. It has outstanding recent history, and is structurally, cosmetically, and mechanically excellent. The car runs and drives superbly, and would thus make an ideal example to use and enjoy in events and on weekends, or an excellent car to admire and casually show as-is.

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