Fantasy Junction

Description

1989 Porsche Speedster
VIN WP0EB0918KS173431, engine no. *64K05939*
Grand Prix White with Black Leather Interior

In 1989 Porsche assembled their final iteration of the G-Series torsion-bar based 911 chassis – the Speedster. Designed to honor the iconic 356 Speedster, the car was developed as a heritage statement using the very best in Porsche technology available at that time. Utilizing the 911 Carrera as the platform, the 1989 Speedster was produced for only six months, in part because of the high cost and near hand-built nature of the vehicle - just 2,104 were built. Rarer still, a mere 802 were delivered to North America under US specifications equipped with Standard US Emissions, with fewer examples for North America delivered with C03 emissions designated for the California market. Since its debut more than thirty years ago, 1989 Speedsters have become highly sought for their rarity and fantastic driving manners, but also due to increasing popularity of the G50 5-speed manual transmission.

Built with simplicity and road-going purity in mind, the modern Speedster had no power steering, no ABS, and only one computer aiding engine management: the ECU that delivered precise information to the 3.2 liter 231 hp flat six. All Speedsters were outfitted with the highly desirable Getrag G50 5-speed transaxle, which featured improved durability, better synchromesh, and a hydraulic clutch. Power assisted, cross-drilled, and ventilated disc brakes with alloy calipers were mounted at all four corners behind 16” diameter Fuchs forged alloy wheels.

The Speedster design was bold yet refined, featuring a lower profile windscreen (cut three inches shorter) and raked back five more degrees to achieve an aggressive, hunkered down stance. The convertible top was a lightweight single layer of material intended for temporary use only, and when raised in position, delivered an ominous presence eerily evoking the original 356 Speedster. To save weight, rear quarter windows were removed, and door glass properly shaped to accommodate the new roofline. To further enhance the historic reference to the original, the rear seats were deleted, and the rear compartment covered with a fiberglass hard shell cover painted to match the car’s exterior. Typical of Porsche, many of these changes delivered substantial weight savings even down to details that included manual crank windows and deleted central locks.

Originally priced at $65,480, Porsche dealers offered examples at above $100,000, making them even more desirable when new. Today, original 1989 Speedsters are highly sought after by enthusiasts who enjoy rare but driver-friendly, 5-speed manual, unassisted performance cars.

According to the owner’s manual accompanying this car and various service records dating back to 1991, the car was delivered new to California where the first owner had the car regularly serviced at Sonnen Porsche, San Rafael, CA, with the second owner servicing the car at Porsche Audi specialists AVR Service, San Francisco, CA. According to the Porsche options codes shown on the underside of the hood, the following options were installed at the factory:
C03 – California Emissions Regulations Compliance
158 – Radio “Monterey”
243 – Shorter Gear Shift Lever
348 – Forged Wheels Grand Prix White
419 – Rear Luggage Compartment Instead of Rear Seats
454 – Cruise Control

The first owner retained the car until 1992 when it was sold to the current and consigning owner. At the time of his purchase, the car had logged approximately 4,500 miles. Service invoices accompanying the car along with stamped entries in the service section of the owner’s manual indicate a steady record of oil changes, maintenance, and careful documentation of accumulated miles leading up to the current 67,805 miles showing today. Other than fluid changes, battery replacement, tires, V-belt, and other general services, this Speedster has never required any major mechanical replacements. In June 2021, with 67,707 miles the car was serviced by Carrera Motors, San Mateo, CA where it received an oil and filter change, valve cover gasket set, new air filter, a new distributor cap and ignition rotor, two new oil lines, and new spark plugs. Also at this time, the valves were adjusted, and the hydraulic tensioner chain was replaced. The rear axle boots were replaced during a follow up service in July 2021.

According to the owner and confirmed in the Carfax, the front fender was damaged in 2005 by a low speed passing motorcycle causing driver’s side mirror and front fender damage. The front fender and side mirror were replaced and repainted to match. As a protective measure the front strut was also replaced. In 2002, paint and body work were performed on the right rear fender which was refinished and painted to match. At that time left and right rear stone guards were replaced using new Porsche parts. Both the original hood and cowl appear to have been repainted and, along with the previously mentioned body panels return higher paint meter readings when scanned with a digital paint meter. Although these selected body panels have been repainted, the finish overall is very consistent and well blended with the factory panels.
Today this beautiful Speedster exhibits excellent finishes supporting the care and service by the two California owners. The Grand Prix White paint is in excellent condition covering the wide body and unique rear hard shell Speedster cover. The paint is beautiful throughout with high gloss and no marks of significance. The lower rocker surfaces, front valance, and rear fender flares are free from major chips or damage, with one or two minor imperfections evident when viewed on the painted front bumper and the lower front valance edges. The driver’s side door edge has been touched up to remedy minor door edge chips. The side glass is in excellent condition while the windshield shows minor marks typical of cars with this mileage. Lighting, trim, and emblems are very nice, indicating indoor storage over the years of ownership. The black canvas top has a tight fit to the windshield frame and shows beautifully on the car. The wheels are free from edge marks or curb rash, offering a unique appearance with factory Grand Prix white painted inserts and white Porsche insignias. A set of Michelin tires are mounted with good tread remaining.

The interior is in excellent overall condition having been properly maintained and nicely detailed. The upholstery, carpets, dashboard, instruments, and switches appear to be factory correct, and in excellent visual condition. The black leather against the white exterior conveys a clean understated design without broadcasting the capabilities of the car. The instruments have bright color and clarity, and the dashboard exhibits fresh textures with no significant visible wear. A modern Alpine stereo unit is installed with Nakamichi speakers mounted to the rear storage side panels behind each seat. The leather seats display excellent finish with very little wear evident, and excellent seat bolsters. The carpeting is in very good condition, showing only minor wear in the foot-wells and driver’s floor mat. Door panels show no cracks or flaws and are smooth and clean, further supporting the history and care this car has received since new.

The engine compartment is clean and unmodified. The factory finishes appear consistent with the recorded miles, with typical age showing on the raw engine casting finish on the air impeller and housing. The remaining engine components and details are quite nice overall including correct engine stampings and the correct emissions for California market cars. The front storage compartment is also in excellent condition, with no modifications and very nice visual presentation. The correct red rim, space-saving spare is in place as are the factory tools in the correct tool roll, factory labels, paint code labels, and confirming VIN labels which match the car. Underneath, the car displays original components with typical evidence of use but still retaining the overall factory finishes and proper fittings. Originality and preservation in a readily drivable car have become harder and harder to find even in a 30-year-old example, yet this car still displays the two factory VIN stickers, still adhered to the gearbox transfer case and engine, indicating that both the engine and gearbox are correct and original to this car. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise when viewing the floor or major suspension attachment points on the car.

The car starts instantly and immediately settles into a smooth, confident idle. The G-50 5-speed gearbox and clutch work smoothly together through all gears with excellent synchros. The 3.2-liter engine, braking, and steering were among the top levels of performance when new and these desirable traits are validated in this fine example. Driving manners throughout are solid and smooth – a tribute to Porsche engineering when new, sustained in this well-maintained example. Included with the car is a host of original items offered at delivery including Porsche owner’s books, tools and tool roll, as well as an electric air compressor, a set of four Porsche monogrammed floor mats, a fire extinguisher, and an aftermarket car cover.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly optioned two-owner North American, California delivery 1989 Porsche Speedster. As the final 911 iteration, this 1989 Porsche Speedster is one of only 802 examples built for the US market, fewer still ordered new and delivered with California emissions. This car is ready to be driven, shown, or continually preserved as an ongoing and enjoyable tribute to the timeless legacy of the original Porsche Speedster.

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