The Porsche 356 Speedster was introduced in 1954 as a sportier version and largely based on the Gläser-built 356 America of 1953 (it even retained its Type 540 designation). The idea to build the Speedster came from Porsche’s U.S. importer Max Hoffman, who recognised the special needs of the American market and convinced his European partners to build specific models to meet them. It was a quite spartan and sportier version of the 356, built at a price and offering its buyers an economical and elemental - but characteristically - Porsche driving experience. The earlier versions (Pre-A) were only available with the 55 bhp 1500 and 70 bhp 1500 S engine, and only 1900 Pre-A examples were produced.

Today the Speedster has become one of the world’s most widely recognisable designs, spawning numerous copies along the way and creating a niche for Porsche that it continues to exploit to this day. It remains a car that embodies a spirit of freedom and adventure rooted in the imagery of West Coast America in the roaring fifties. A truly iconic sports car.

This example was delivered in January 1955 to Porsche USA importer Hoffman. After spending many years in America, it was discovered in Los Angeles by a German Porsche enthusiast as a sound project. The car was shipped to Germany in 1986 where it was completely restored during the nineties. In 2002, the Speedster was sold to a Belgian collector who kept the car since, and used it sparely for Porsche Club events and some local trips. The Porsche is still in fantastic condition, and total mileage since the restoration in the nineties is only 5.005 miles. It is finished in a very desirable colour combination of Elfenbein with red interioir and looks absolutely gorgeous. Every single detail on this car is correct, including original 16" wheels on narrow tyres and a well fitting convertible top with sidescreens. The Speedster has a Belgian registration as classic car, and is ready to be enjoyed.

A Pre-A version of the legendary Speedster is not coming on the market very often, so this might be your opportunity to obtain a great example of this iconic sports car. The pictures speak for themselves and if you wish to see more then you are kindly invited to have a look at this gorgeous 356 at our premises.