1955 Porsche Speedster

What was originally devised as a lower cost, open roofed version of the 356, the Speedster is now one of the most valuable variants of the 356 range. Funny how fate works sometimes, isn’t it? Upon urgings from the sole importer of Porsches to the US at the time, Max Hoffman, the Speedster was introduced at the end of 1954 and carried on through 1958 when the 356 Convertible D, with its taller windscreen and roll up windows. The high water mark for the Speedster was 1957, with over 1,100 built. This 1955 model for sale in San Francisco is an earlier Speedster with the dual tail lamps and the 1500cc flat four cylinder engine.

1955 Porsche Speedster on eBay

Chassis # 80584 Engine # 35480, Type 546/2, #’s match. 1500 Normal engine w/ 912 rockers, followers and rods. Elgin grind cam, ’58 Super spec carbs, Koni shocks. Color change from White to Black. Very rare for ’55 factory optional fuel gauge. This is an accident free, numbers matching car. Retains all of its original body panels. Correct date stamps on original wheels including spare. Correct 16” bias ply tube tires. The owner purchased the car in 1989 in Southern California and a multiple year restoration was carried out by Autosports Exclusive in San Mateo from 1997 to Oct. 1998. Longitudinals are original. Partial tool roll, tonneau cover, side curtains, jack and jack pad are included. It is in as restored condition having covered very few miles since completion.

Anywhere between $150,000 and $300,000 seems to be the order of the day for 356 Speedster prices these days. Variance in price depends obviously on year, provenance and equipment as with any other classic cars. Wearing all of its original bodywork on an older restoration sure counts for something, even if it isn’t the original color and there are some updated bits on the engine. At $210,000, we’re right around the meaty area of where these lightweight sports cars are trading hands.

-Paul