Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
s/n 83934, engine no. 67329
Ruby Red with Black Leather 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 because of their lightweight, excellent balance, simplicity, and superb reliability, they 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.

It was not uncommon for young men to purchase Speedster’s, drive them to work 5 days a week, and race them on the weekends. This is one such example, and it has enjoyed a wonderful and well-documented period racing history prior to its very recent restoration to original street configuration.

It is supposed by previous owners that the car was a racer right from its delivery in 1957, but it is not until 1962 that documentation exists linking s/n 83934 to Larry Meyers of Colorado, just 26 years of age at the time. Ultimately, Larry Meyers was nominated for the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame, having been an active road racer since 1962. He had won the SCCA Midwest Division Championship for times in E-Production (1967, 1969, 1972, and 1974), was runner up four times, and finished third twice. Meyers’ success on the grassroots level lead him to drives in Trans-Am and endurance racing venues. By 1978 he had driven in over 100 race weekends, many of which were in this potent little Speedster, with Larry serving as his own mechanic, and his wife helping in the pits. Larry was also an accomplished driving instructor, stressing safety and smooth performance to new drivers on-track.

To quote a letter on file from Steven K. Bachenberg, a Sports Car Club of America Chief Steward; “Larry has been active in Porsche Club of America and SCCA driving events for the last thirteen years, and during that time he has participated as a race competitor, served as a driving instructor, and has also successfully operated an independent small business. I have been a student of Larry’s, a fellow competitor, a customer, and now I serve as an official at SCCA racing events. I have never known Larry to give less than his best effort which is among the finest, usually with quite successful results. He has been a competent, aggressive, and safe competition driver winning repeated Divisional Championships in his class.” A fellow competitor, Douglas Mould, wrote Meyer’s in the summer of 1969, after a winning performance at Garnett Raceway; “I looked for you after the races on Sunday for I wanted to learn how and where you had mounted an after-burner on your Speedster. You honestly looked jet-propelled on the back straight. You are to be congratulated for the fine job you have done with your car, and of course, your driving ability is of the same caliber. You provide an outstanding ideal for the rest of us to work towards.” The Porsche Club of America wrote; “Larry has consistently fielded well prepared cars and driving them with enthusiasm and skill. Where ever he has raced, he has represented Porsche, Colorado, and motorsports well.” Meyers was technically inclined and had converted his Speedster to disc brakes in the 1960s, and was among the first to do so. This conversion and Meyers’ exploits are well documented in a photos, articles, letters, and race results which are assembled in chronological order in a binder accompanying the sale.


Despite its phenomenal racing history, the car remains a matching numbers T2-bodied example, therefore enjoying the best of both worlds, embracing history and originality. After participating in Rennsport Reunion IV in 2011, this car was disassembled and restored. The recent comprehensive restoration has been performed to high standards, and done in the original “street” configuration. Both the engine and gearbox display matching numbers, and the wheels are of the correct type but are not correctly date-coded. The car spent many years in Arizona and the body was found to be in excellent shape when it was stripped to bare metal to be repainted. All cosmetic aspects of the car were renewed, including paint, chrome, and interior. The mechanical systems were also rebuilt, including engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. The engine was completely rebuilt with new big bore pistons and cylinders, and the gearbox was also comprehensively rebuilt, with new synchromesh and bearings. It has thoughtfully selected BBBC gearing, which proves very effective on the road when driving the car. The suspension included new shocks, link pins, king pins, and bearings, and the brakes have new hard and soft lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, machined drums, and new shoes. New Vredestein tires were fitted as well. The front suspension and engine were done by Hangar Air-Cooled, the paint and body by Dink Farmer, and the gearbox by Ron’s Transaxle in San Pablo.

The car’s original configuration was confirmed by its Certificate of Authenticity. The car remains in its original colors, but was originally fitted with coupe seats and now has Speedster seats. It retains its other CoA equipment including USA bumpers, and was completed in October of 1957.

The car is in excellent cosmetic condition. The body is straight and displays excellent panel fit, gaps, and operation. The paint was done to high standards and is nearly unmarked, with a few small chips on the front of the car from road use. The glass, lights, and trim are excellent, as are the wheels. The car has weather equipment including side curtains, tonneau cover, and convertible top, all of which are like new and made of high quality canvas. The overall impression is of a car recently restored to high standards that needs nothing.

The interior is also excellent. The materials were supplied by Autos International, including the correct square weave carpets, which were capably installed and look great. The seats were retrimmed in leather, which is in excellent shape and is complemented by red piping. The dashboard was also restored, with new paint, dash pad, and restored instruments. The knobs were replaced aside from the shift knob, which has some patina. The steering wheel is in excellent shape including the horn button.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed and extremely clean. The components were cosmetically restored and new decals were fitted. The correct Knecht air filter housings are in place. The trunk was also well-restored, including spare, tire strap, and new rubber mat. The jack is in place and the fuel tank is dated August of 1957. Inner fender panels and trunk floor are all in excellent shape, as is the undercarriage, which is structurally excellent, cosmetically attractive, and shows the complete extent of the mechanical restoration.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The engine starts easily, idles well, and pulls cleanly through the rev range. It is responsive and appreciably more powerful than it would have been originally, which coupled with the relatively short first three gear ratios, provides a level of drivability and acceleration that most Speedsters do not possess. 4th gear is taller which permits reasonable freeway cruising, a combination which as a whole makes for a satisfying and thoughtfully realized driving experience. The brakes are capable and function as they should, and the chassis and suspension are tight and solid. The clutch grabs positively near the bottom of the travel and the gearbox is excellent, with effective synchromesh. The linkage requires commitment and some patience, which is true of all 356As. Overall, this is a delightful car to drive, with an accessible and straightforward experience that allows the driver to exploit and enjoy the car.

This is an excellent Speedster for the owner seeking a car with excellent period racing history, matching numbers, and street equipment. Today, it is a no-excuses car to use and enjoy on the open road in it’s current configuration, or possibly to be returned to racing configuration and campaigned at premier events worldwide. A matching-numbers car restored in its original color combination, this example is also cosmetically excellent and a pleasure to drive. It needs nothing and the quality of the work speaks for itself.

The car comes with full weather equipment, Certificate of Authenticity, some parts receipts from the restoration, and a detailed binder full of photographic and written documentation detailing Larry Meyers’, and subsequent owner’s racing exploits, which also outlines the ownership history of this particular car: Larry Meyers starting in 1962, who sold it to Frank Glandney, who in turn sold it to Gary Boero. The present owners bought the car from Mr. Boero’s widow, at which time it was accompanied by the original engine, transmission, and deck lid as outlined by letters on file.

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