Coys Auction - True Greats
Royal Horticultural Halls
Elverton St
Westminster
London SW1
Tuesday 1st December 2009
Registration Number: 128 XUX Chassis Number: 84748
By 1954, Porsche sales in the USA were suffering from the onslaught of MG, Austin Healey and Triumph, whose cars provided as much exhilaration for a lot less money. It was thus that coachbuilder Reutter penned a minimal shell based on the convertible 356, with low wrap-around windscreen, reduced frontal area and height, removable sidescreens, a lightweight hood and more basic interior. Selling at a competitive $2,995, and available with 55/70bhp 1,488cc engine, the 100mph Speedster proved popular on road and track - weighing 1501b less than a standard 356, it was also quicker and in 1955 a Speedster won the SCCA‘s 1,500cc class; indeed, actor James Dean raced one. The same year saw the introduction of the 356A with 1,290cc or 1,582cc engines, the latter producing 60bhp/75bhp.
Dating from 1958, the speedster offe