Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster 1600 Normal
s/n 84139 engine no. 67753
Ruby Red with Black 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.

Later examples, such as this one, were fitted with the enlarged 1600cc engine, in addition to a number of detail updates. This particular example was built in late 1957 but is titled as a 1958. It has had a recent two-year bare metal restoration by noted West Coast restorer and Porsche Outlaw builder Dink Farmer. Prior to the current owner, the car had one California owner for approximately twenty-five years. The car wears blue license plates from 1981 supporting this claim. The car remains in its original color, ruby red, and is one of 233 Speedsters originally finished in that color. It is a matching numbers example that has had its engine adjusted, tuned and dynoed by race engine builder Ron Chuck. New Vredestein tires were recently fitted and balanced at Roger Kraus racing

The car is in beautiful cosmetic condition, with very nice paint and body. The car is solid and rust free, with excellent door and engine lid gaps, and good front deck lid gaps. The paint was applied to very good standards, and the trim and chrome are both complete and in extremely nice condition. This includes the badging, side trim, stone guards for the headlamps, and chrome. Aside from some pitting on the exterior trunk handle, the chrome trim is superb, including the chrome wheels. The original correctly date-coded painted wheels also come with the car. The lights and glass are excellent as well, as are the tonneau, side curtains (which come with the bag), and top.

The interior is also very nice. The dashboard paint is in fine condition, though there is some orange peel to it. The instruments were rebuilt at Palo Alto Speedometer and are like new, while the upholstery and carpets are excellent throughout. The switches are similarly nice and all electrical systems work. The carpets are the correct square weave material, and the floor mats the correct rubber. The seats are leather and have red piping, as the car would have originally worn, and door jambs are well-detailed. The car also has correct type period safety belts. The steering wheel is excellent, save for some cracks in the horn button.

The engine compartment and trunk are both extremely clean, detailed, and correct. The correct Knecht air filters are still in place, as are the various decals and brown ignition cap. The car has a leather spare tire strap as well, in addition to the jack and spare wheel.

The underside is also quite detailed and very clean. There is much evidence of recent work, and the car is fitted with a camber compensator. There is no rust to speak of, and the floors have been replaced to ensure that the car remains rust-free. The work was done to exceptionally fine standards, contributing further to the overall strong positive impression of the underside.

This is an opportunity lovely restored example of the iconic Speedster. These cars occupy a unique place in motoring history, and have appreciated significantly in recent years because of their timeless appeal and usability. This particular example is ready to enjoy and fully sorted, and quite correct and complete with all weather equipment, and reproduction Speedster owner`s manual supplement 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.

Inquire About This Car

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