Chassis No. 84489

Engine No. P730552

Transmission No. 18150

As a family-run company in their earliest years, Porsche rarely sought outside input. Yet, in the early 1950s, fabled U.S. importer Max Hoffman recognized the demand for an affordable, lightweight sports car suited to the American market. His earliest effort, the aluminum-bodied 1952 356 America Roadster, demonstrated the concept's potential, though its high cost limited sales. Hoffman and newly appointed West Coast distributor John von Neumann then convinced Porsche to develop a more affordable alternative-the Speedster. Introduced in late 1954, the 356 Speedster quickly became the famous silhouette that anyone pictured when asked to picture a Porsche in their mind's eye.

Built with simplicity in mind, the Speedster featured a low-profile windscreen and a spartan interior with minimal luxury equipment. Items like a tachometer, heater, and roll-up windows were omitted to keep costs down, allowing a debut retail price of $2,995. The car quickly became a sales success, especially in California, where it thrived as both a boulevard cruiser and a dominant force in SCCA racing. Further refinements continued into the 356 A series with production concluding in 1958. Only offered for five years, the 356 defined Porsche's brand image in the United States and, for many, remains the iconic Porsche.

A copy of this final-year 1958 356 A Speedster's Kardex reveals chassis number 84489 was finished in rare Orange paint. The optional color (code 5711) was selected for an additional $26.20 with the warranty card noting a Black (B) upholstered interior. Furthermore, it records that the car was destined to be delivered through the Hoffman Motor Car Company as a U.S.-market example with a speedometer in miles and sealed beam headlights. The singular fitted option? Comfortable Coupe seats rather than the spartan aluminum buckets.

By 1980, chassis number 84489 was located in Indiana and acquired by Jay Cerola as a restoration project. As family photography shows, the car was painted maroon when found, yet, even by 1980, the Speedster had begun its ascendance as an iconic Porsche and one well-worth saving. An eight-year restoration would commence with the car completed in red and retaining its optional Coupe seats. In an interview with the family, the consignor remarks that Cerola completed some of the work and other specialty items, like the soft top, were outsourced to specialists. The engine had suffered from a crack in the case and was replaced with a Type 616/15 from a 356 C offering a 10-horsepower advantage, yet the car retains its numbers matching transmission. An estimated $40,000 was spent on restoring the car in the 1980s-a substantial sum at the time.

After restoration, Cerola, a long-standing Porsche Club of America Member, kept his prize possession for the next three and a half decades thoroughly enjoying the ride. Like many so invested in their prize possession, time behind the wheel on the way to car shows was frequent but deeply personal. The car remained in the family through moves to Alabama and Florida with the large history file on file and available for review. As time passed and the car's value increased, a Beck Spyder was acquired for the wind-in-the-hair-thrills without the worry of damage. As a frequent visitor to The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Cerola requested his family auction the car during the annual event, a ritual to so many, after his passing.

Today, this final-year Speedster is consigned as restored by Cerola four decades ago. It is offered with its side-curtains in bag, a 356 A Driver's Manual, 356 A Workshop Manual, and additional spare parts. A Broad Arrow Car Specialist, upon driving the car, noted an impressive drive revealing good power, smooth shifting, and excellent road holding-the very same virtues when designed by Porsche over 70 years ago.