While an excellent Porsche, of any era, tends to marry a combination of blistering performance with a high degree of refinement, it is many of the no-frills examples that command the greatest attention. One of the earliest of those was the 356 Speedster. As Porsche’s first production vehicle the 356 was around for nearly twenty years before being replaced by the 911 and the Speedster remains one of the most iconic variants produced. Only available for a short 4 years the Speedster served the American market as a lower-cost spartan alternative to the standard 356, while also providing weekend racers a model they could use at the track. Belying its short production run, the Speedster was quite successful in its early years and Porsche has revived the iconic moniker a few times for the 911, but it’s always tough to top the original. The example we see here is a Black on Black 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster, located in Houston, with 95,898 miles on it.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster on eBay
Year: 1957
Model: 356A Speedster
Engine: 1.6 liter flat-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 95,898
Price: Reserve Auction
1957 Porsche 356A Speedster
Porsche of North Houston proudly offer this magnificent, Restored 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster in Black over a Black interior with a beautiful Black dash and Black leather seats with 95,898 miles. This Porsche 356 Speedster is vin: 83456, Engine number 65983 and Transmission number 14986. This 356 Speedster was also fitted with the following optional equipment: USA Bumpers, Sealed Beam Headlights, and Coupe Seats. The Porsche 356 Speedster is powered by a 1.6L Flat Four Cylinder engine producing 70 hp through a Rear Wheel Drive and a 4-Speed Manual Transmission.
Porsche’s 356 Speedster was designed specifically for the American market in order to offer automotive enthusiasts a simpler, more affordable option to their standard vehicle, and it has long been considered one of the most iconic and desirable collector cars ever produced. The 356 Speedster was originally conceived by noted Porsche dealer and European car importer Max Hoffman, and it proved to be a huge success.
In an effort to save weight, the Speedster was fitted with simple bucket seats, the side windows were removed and replaced with a pair of side curtains, a less cumbersome convertible top was fitted, and a raked windshield that could be removed for racing was added. These weight-saving measures translated into improved performance, which was just what the American market was looking for. At the same time, the Speedster was priced at just $2,995, which was considerably lower than the standard 356 Cabriolet.
Porsche only produced 1,171 of the 1957 Speedster model and then started to decline. Vin number 83546 and engine number 65983.
This particular 356 Speedster is numbers matching and was originally painted in Meissen Blue but was refinished in a gorgeous gloss black exterior color. It was fully restored by Stoddard Imported Cars Inc. in Willoughby, Ohio in 1989. This 356 speedster 4-speed manual transmission was rebuilt by 356 enterprises. This 356 Speedster was purchased as a part of a private collection in Houston, Texas and comes equipped with full documentation of the restoration, Porsche certificate of authenticity, original tool kit, replacement air filters, original and newly restored Speedster windows, and replacement boot cover.
Porsche of North Houston is a member of the Indigo Auto Group and has received the highly coveted Porsche Premier Dealer status. Our dealership features a beautiful Porsche Corporate Identity showroom, fully staffed factory certified service center, parts department, finance department, detailing department, and Porsche accessories boutique. Allow us to also help arrange transportation of your new car directly to your home anywhere in the world. Trade-in proposals are always welcome. If you like this vehicle and have questions, simply call, email, or drop by our location at 18111 North Freeway (I-45N) on the north side of Houston. We invite you to Activate Your Ownership with us today!
While it may seem strange, I rarely come across a Black on Black 356 and this is the only example of the Speedster I can recall. That isn’t intended to necessarily serve as a reflection of this car’s actual rarity, but it was something that struck me as a looked over this particular Speedster. And the overall condition here looks excellent inside and out. Any Speedster is an expensive proposition and with bidding already above $220,000 for this auction this one looks to follow the trend. The reserve remains unmet and I’d expect it to sit a bit under $300K. Whether this auction can reach that, we’ll have to see.
-Rob
