Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Porsche 356 A Speedster
s/n 82241, engine no. 607127
Aquamarine with Red Leather

Despite their humble Volkswagen-based beginnings, Porsche cars were by the 1950s already well on their way to establishing the company as the uncompromised motorsports leader that it remains today. Built to race and raced to win, the Porsche cars of this period were making their mark in America when US Porsche distributor Max Hoffman asked for an elemental sports car that could compete against low priced Triumphs and MGs. Porsche set out to build a car with essential performance traits, sparse features, and a level of reliability and durability unheard of in British sports cars. The resulting car, the Speedster, was priced under $3,000 and delivered all this and more, creating a legendary car that is one of the most often replicated cars of all time. The lowered windscreen, side curtains, minimal trim, and the resulting light weight and performance capability coupled with the low price all culminated in surprisingly strong sales, particularly in the United States, where Speedster performance and simplicity won the hearts of racers and enthusiasts alike. Today, the iconic 356 Speedster still holds a distinguished position as one of the most desirable vintage Porsches ever made, not only amongst enthusiasts but frequently cited by historians, designers, and motorsports journalists as one of the most influential sports cars of twentieth century.

This particular car is an attractively restored nice driver level example with great eye appeal. Finished in the stunning color combination of aquamarine with red leather interior and fitted with neat accessories such as black hard top and Marchal fog lamps, this Speedster has an irresistible and distinctive visual presence that handsomely sets it apart. The car has been in California for at least two decades, and it was previously owned by a 356 collector and repeat Fantasy Junction customer who purchased it as a project car in the 1990s. He eventually sold it to a well-known Porsche collector, also in Northern Calfornia, who set about doing a thorough restoration to nice driver standards. The engine and gearbox are both reported to be 356B units, although the third piece below the generator stand is stamped with a number dating from 1955.

The car presents very nicely, with a straight body with very good to excellent gaps on all opening panels. The paint has a very fine and sublte metallic which is visible up close. The paintwork is glossy, uniformly applied, and in generally excellent condition, although there is a scrape on the right rear fender. Close inspection reveals a few other small blemishes around the car, as well as the occasional paint finish imperfection and faint sanding lines in selected areas. The trim and brightwork are in great condition, including the badging and side spears. Chrome is very good overall, with only light surface scratches and superficial pitting in some areas, and moderate pitting on the side mirror and horn grilles. The glass and lights are generally excellent, with no notable signs of aging or wear. The wheels have been properly painted in silver and wear nicely chromed hubcaps, finished with Michelin XZX tires which give a period-appropriate vintage stance and demonstrate the attention to detail of the restoration. Yellow year of manufacture license plates, Marchal fog lamps, and metal headlight grilles add further unique touches to the already remarkable configuration of this car.

The interior is beautifully restored with correct seats finished in red leather with contrasting blue piping to match the exterior. The correct square weave carpeting also has blue binding, a finish that sounds potentially overwhelming but actually looks great in person. The workmanship and condition of both the seats and carpets is excellent. The door panels are smoothly finished, and the floors are covered with correct rubber floor mats. The dashboard has been restored to the same high standards as the rest of the interior, with excellent instruments, which show crisp green markings and nicely restored warning light lenses. There is slight pitting present on the instrument rings while the remaining trim and brightwork is excellent. The correct steering wheel is in similarly nice condition, with vibrant full-color crested horn button which is free of crazing. The headliner of the hard top is in as-new condition and the car is fitted with rear seat which is in excellent shape.

The engine compartment has been fully restored and displays good attention detail. Finishes of the engine itself, including metal components, sheetmetal and most ancillaries are done to high standards, as are hardware and Knecht air cleaners. It has the crispness of a recent restoration which reflects the quality of the work. The front compartment is thoroughly restored with correct 4.5 inch spare wheel held in place with new leather strap. A new rubber mat has also been fitted, while the fuel tank was restored and finished in an attractive semigloss black. The restored jack is present in its clip at the front of the trunk. Close inspection of the interior of the trunk reveals evidence of prior collision damage in the area of the left front headlight bucket. The undercarriage has been fully restored, including replacing the floors and battery box. Correct type replacement panels have been used although the welds are thicker than those that the car would have originally had. The mechanical components including engine, transaxle, brakes, and suspension appear freshly restored with virtually no evidence of use.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The engine starts easily and pulls strongly with clean, even carburetion and good power. The gearbox has good synchromesh and the clutch is progressive and positive in its action. The chassis has a solid, tight feel with nice precise steering, which gives the driver the confidence to drive the car enthusiastically. The brakes are effective and exhibit slight pulling to the left and the overall car has a coherent and enjoyable feel which makes it rewarding to drive in quintessential Porsche fashion.

With its distinctive visual presentation and superb driving experience, this Speedster is an ideal example to drive and enjoy. It would make an excellent event car for these reasons, coupled with its widespread eligibility for the most prestigious events including the California Mille, Copperstate 1000, and the Colorado Grand. It presents handsomely yet isn’t so nice that its new owner would worry about spoiling it by driving it and is complete with hard and soft tops, canvas side curtains for use with soft top, Plexiglas side curtains for use with the hard top, jack, spare, and tool roll.

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