Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
s/n 83548, engine no. P*65315
Signal Red with Tan Interior

Porsche performance and fidelity has earned this brand their reputation of excellence for many decades. Their humble and cost conscious beginnings were instrumental to their success as a motorsports brand. Built to race and raced to win, by the early 1950’s Porsche cars were making their mark in America when Porsche distributor Max Hoffman asked for a car that could compete with low priced Triumphs and MGs. Porsche set out to build a car with basic traits, minimal features, and reliability. The cars sold well, especially in the United States, and because of their lightweight, excellent balance, simplicity, and superb reliability, they became popular among racers and enthusiasts. Today this popularity has become worldwide and the 356 Speedster has become the icon of vintage Porsche performance.

This Speedster truly embodies what Porsche owners originally sought in their purchase. Joyfully retained under the same family ownership for the past 44 years, it remains a tribute to the care and convictions of a true enthusiast family – a family of Porsche owners, as this Speedster once shared garage time with not one but TWO RS60s and an interesting range of Carrera powered Porsches. In 1972, the family purchased this car and enjoyed it for several years, eventually doing a complete restoration in the late 1970’s. The restoration was quite comprehensive at the time, covering all major components with a high level of finish, with the owner performing much of the work on his own, retaining contracted specialists as needed. The car was shown at several concours events throughout the 1980s and in 1983 the owner purchased a set of ultra rare 1958 dated Rudge Knock-Off wheels and mounted them on the car.

Overall presentation is consistent with restorations done in the late 1970’s. The car has been faithfully maintained and properly cared for during the lengthy family ownership, however a cosmetic restoration will need to be considered at some point. That said, the car operates with ease and familiarity typical of Speedsters with older restorations. The chassis and body are rust-free and there are no known mechanical requirements at this time.

During the restoration, the floors were replaced but the front and rear covers remain original. The body fit is good overall with minor dimensional variations in shut lines along the hood, deck lid and doors. The paint remains very good overall with excellent gloss throughout the entire car, showing only minor stone chips in front and along lower rocker panel areas. Headlight glass and windscreen are in good condition with no major scratches or dings. The convertible top and tonneau cover are showing mild evidence of weathering and broad toning. Rear plastic window is clear and unbroken.

The interior is finished with vinyl material over reproduction seat frames. All materials offer a unified appearance and patina throughout the interior. The door panels and matching dash padding remain in good condition overall as well as the selected carpet areas and clean black floor matting.

The current, but not original, 1600cc engine is period correct and was rebuilt to factory specifications by Vahalla, retaining the original displacement. The 641 transmission is believe to be original to the car and shifts well. The engine compartment presents well overall with minor modern alterations to the wiring and fasteners. Presentation is very tidy and clean with nice paint and proper finishes to convey a pleasant driver quality restoration revealing signs of thoughtful use over the years. Undercarriage is also tidy and free of rust, major damage, or significant floor pan distortion. The forward compartment features clean satin and gloss painted surfaces with good detailing, matching the condition of the engine compartment.

The Rudge Knock Off wheels are wonderfully presented on this car, giving it a touch of uniqueness while delivering an aggressive stance. Chrome plated rims and knock offs are well preserved with good quality chrome. These wheels, including the leather strapped spare wheel, are all stamped “10-58” as shown in the photos. Copious documentation accompanies the car with records and receipts dating back to 1978, owner’s manual and plastic pouch, tools, jack, side curtains, full cockpit tonneau cover, knock-off hammer, and select other useful spares and extras. With a purposeful stance, long term ownership history, unique Rudge wheels, and satisfying driver quality restoration, this wonderful Speedster is ready for a new dedicated enthusiast to enjoy rewarding driving adventures as originally intended.

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