1955 Porsche 356 A 1500 Speedster Chassis no. 80341 Engine...
1955 Porsche 356 A 1500 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 80341
Engine no. 34439
1,488cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engine
Solex P40 Carburetors
55 bhp at 4,400 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Matching numbers engine and transmission, as certified by Porsche Classic Technical Certificate and factory Kardex
* U.S.-specification example, originally delivered via Company Hoffman, New York
* Highly desirable and exceedingly rare Speedster (Sky) Blue over Acella Bast/Cream leatherette wheat basket-weave interior
* High-level restoration executed by marque specialists, including Autos International and Victor Miles
* Supported by Porsche Classic Technical Certificate, factory data card, COA, original toolkit, owner's manual, and matching spare tire
* Notable show history as a recent Quail Motorsports Gathering entrant; displays as a freshly restored, professionally sorted example
* Benefiting from only 62 miles since completion, and protected by a complete paint protection film (PPF)
THE PORSCHE 356 A 1500 SPEEDSTER
Few automobiles encapsulate the philosophy of focused driving pleasure and minimalist design quite as purely as the Porsche 356 Speedster. Introduced in 1954 at the urging of the celebrated U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster rapidly became an icon, coveted for its elemental appeal, lightweight architecture, and competition-bred engineering. Its debut represented a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the 356, integrating both the early 1500 "pre-A" mechanical purity and the emerging refinements of the forthcoming "A" series, resulting in a car that resonates among connoisseurs for both its rarity and panache.
With its dramatically raked windscreen—removable for racing—cut-downside glass, sleek bodywork and signature low-profile top, the 356 Speedster represented an aesthetic masterstroke from Erwin Komenda's studio in Stuttgart. The direct simplicity extended inside: minimalist bucket seats, a no-frills dashboard, and the evocative wheat-hued basket weave Acella Bast upholstery, reminiscent of race-proven 550 Spyders. Every detail was in deliberate pursuit of driving purity.
Engineering advancements were equally notable. The robust 1,488cc engine, equipped with Solex carburetors, provided eager torque and crisp response, its horizontally opposed layout delivering a low center of gravity and exceptional handling. The independent suspension and lightweight drum brakes combined agility and security, while the straightforward four-speed transmission affirmed the car's sporting intent. The result was not just a paragon of postwar German engineering, but an agile companion for track and public road alike.
Production numbers for early Speedsters were modest, especially in the rare Speedster Blue livery—fewer than 180 are believed to have left the factory finished in this evocative shade, amplifying the appeal for dedicated Porsche collectors. As a "normal" 1500, these very early examples bridge the transition between the earlier pre-A and later A-series refinements, endowing them with particular technical and historic resonance among marque purists.
Within the Porsche firmament, the Speedster is among the most mythic and widely celebrated models. Period advertisements extolled it as "born for the Pacific Coast," and legendary racing drivers such as James Dean famously favored the minimalist, elemental configuration. Today, these rare survivors represent a pinnacle of collectible Porsche quality, their commanding presence honored on concours lawns and in the most discriminating private collections worldwide.
Its durable construction and strong international following have cemented the Speedster as a favorite in historic motorsports competition and touring events, with original, well-documented and expertly restored examples especially coveted. The car's light weight and sporting balance have aged gracefully, endearing it both to passionate drivers and theorists of design purity.
The allure of a fully authentic, numbers-matching Speedster cannot be overstated. Fewer still have the benefit of accompanying documentary heritage and concours-level preparation, combining provenance, technical integrity, and visual distinction in one cohesive masterpiece. The seamless fusion of timeless styling, unimpeachable character, and a captivating backstory elevates such an example to the apex of the collectible Porsche hierarchy.
THE CAR OFFERED
This outstanding 1955 Porsche 356 A 1500 Speedster, chassis no. 80341, stands as one of the most significant and desirable early Speedsters known, both for its importantly early build—completed on March 3, 1955, as the 341st Speedster produced—and a compelling blend of originality, rarity, and expert restoration. Documented, it is confirmed by its factory Kardex and Porsche Classic Technical Certificate as matching-numbers throughout, retaining both its original engine no. 34439 and original transmission no. 5263. Completed for the U.S. market, it features characteristic details such as the MPH speedometer and sealed-beam headlights, as supplied to Company Hoffman in New York.
Its original color specification places it firmly among the elite. Finished from new in the seldom-seen Speedster (Sky) Blue, a hue bestowed on only approximately 180 Speedsters in total production, the car retains its factory-correct livery—presented today in a superlative high-level restoration faithful to the original tone. The interior specification, Acella Bast basket-weave in wheat cream, evokes the legendary 550 Spyders and contributes to an overall visual composition of exceptional rarity. Both exterior and interior colors are confirmed as original via the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and factory Kardex.
The car's recent restoration, performed to an uncompromising concours standard, comprised a complete body-off process with the highest regard for period-correct integrity. The body and paintwork are exemplary, with the undercarriage and pans expertly replaced for longevity and authenticity. All major mechanical systems—including the engine, transaxle, suspension, and brakes—were comprehensively rebuilt, contributing to the car's exceptional roadworthiness and mechanical correctness.
The interior and convertible top were entrusted to the leading experts at Autos International, renowned for their expertise in period Porsche cabins, while the restoration of critical trim components was executed by Victor Miles. Instrumentation was meticulously restored by Palo Alto Speedometer, and a new wiring harness fabricated and fitted by Y & Z, assuring the car's electrical reliability and safety. The car presents today as a model of specialist craftsmanship, with little more than 62 miles accrued since the completion of its restoration—effectively as-new and displaying the crispness and integrity of a freshly completed project. The entire exterior is protected by an expertly applied paint protection film (PPF), ensuring preservation of its pristine finish.
Accompanying documentation further attests to the car's authenticity. Supplied with its Certificate of Authenticity, correct toolkit and spare, and original owner's manual.
Service records establish its early life in the United States, with maintenance in New York through 1965, and a more recent workshop order from Porsche Palm Springs recording a technical inspection in November 2025.
Owing to its quality, the car has been selected for display at the prestigious Quail Motorsports Gathering, underscoring its eligibility for blue-chip concours events and international exhibitions. In terms of mechanical authenticity, it retains its matching factory engine and transaxle, both painstakingly rebuilt to original specifications. All major assemblies are reported to be correct to the 1955 build, with the interior retrim reflecting its factory configuration in both color and materials.
This singular Speedster sits at the crossroads of rarity, restoration excellence, and documented authenticity. For the discerning collector seeking a centerpiece for a world-class Porsche or postwar sports car collection, chassis 80341 presents a rare opportunity. As one of the earliest and most correct Speedsters—and with its extraordinary provenance, color, and restoration—this car is an unrepeatable offering and one of the true blue-chip icons of the Porsche marque.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
1955 Porsche 356 A 1500 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 80341
Engine no. 34439
1,488cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engine
Solex P40 Carburetors
55 bhp at 4,400 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Matching numbers engine and transmission, as certified by Porsche Classic Technical Certificate and factory Kardex
* U.S.-specification example, originally delivered via Company Hoffman, New York
* Highly desirable and exceedingly rare Speedster (Sky) Blue over Acella Bast/Cream leatherette wheat basket-weave interior
* High-level restoration executed by marque specialists, including Autos International and Victor Miles
* Supported by Porsche Classic Technical Certificate, factory data card, COA, original toolkit, owner's manual, and matching spare tire
* Notable show history as a recent Quail Motorsports Gathering entrant; displays as a freshly restored, professionally sorted example
* Benefiting from only 62 miles since completion, and protected by a complete paint protection film (PPF)
THE PORSCHE 356 A 1500 SPEEDSTER
Few automobiles encapsulate the philosophy of focused driving pleasure and minimalist design quite as purely as the Porsche 356 Speedster. Introduced in 1954 at the urging of the celebrated U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster rapidly became an icon, coveted for its elemental appeal, lightweight architecture, and competition-bred engineering. Its debut represented a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the 356, integrating both the early 1500 "pre-A" mechanical purity and the emerging refinements of the forthcoming "A" series, resulting in a car that resonates among connoisseurs for both its rarity and panache.
With its dramatically raked windscreen—removable for racing—cut-downside glass, sleek bodywork and signature low-profile top, the 356 Speedster represented an aesthetic masterstroke from Erwin Komenda's studio in Stuttgart. The direct simplicity extended inside: minimalist bucket seats, a no-frills dashboard, and the evocative wheat-hued basket weave Acella Bast upholstery, reminiscent of race-proven 550 Spyders. Every detail was in deliberate pursuit of driving purity.
Engineering advancements were equally notable. The robust 1,488cc engine, equipped with Solex carburetors, provided eager torque and crisp response, its horizontally opposed layout delivering a low center of gravity and exceptional handling. The independent suspension and lightweight drum brakes combined agility and security, while the straightforward four-speed transmission affirmed the car's sporting intent. The result was not just a paragon of postwar German engineering, but an agile companion for track and public road alike.
Production numbers for early Speedsters were modest, especially in the rare Speedster Blue livery—fewer than 180 are believed to have left the factory finished in this evocative shade, amplifying the appeal for dedicated Porsche collectors. As a "normal" 1500, these very early examples bridge the transition between the earlier pre-A and later A-series refinements, endowing them with particular technical and historic resonance among marque purists.
Within the Porsche firmament, the Speedster is among the most mythic and widely celebrated models. Period advertisements extolled it as "born for the Pacific Coast," and legendary racing drivers such as James Dean famously favored the minimalist, elemental configuration. Today, these rare survivors represent a pinnacle of collectible Porsche quality, their commanding presence honored on concours lawns and in the most discriminating private collections worldwide.
Its durable construction and strong international following have cemented the Speedster as a favorite in historic motorsports competition and touring events, with original, well-documented and expertly restored examples especially coveted. The car's light weight and sporting balance have aged gracefully, endearing it both to passionate drivers and theorists of design purity.
The allure of a fully authentic, numbers-matching Speedster cannot be overstated. Fewer still have the benefit of accompanying documentary heritage and concours-level preparation, combining provenance, technical integrity, and visual distinction in one cohesive masterpiece. The seamless fusion of timeless styling, unimpeachable character, and a captivating backstory elevates such an example to the apex of the collectible Porsche hierarchy.
THE CAR OFFERED
This outstanding 1955 Porsche 356 A 1500 Speedster, chassis no. 80341, stands as one of the most significant and desirable early Speedsters known, both for its importantly early build—completed on March 3, 1955, as the 341st Speedster produced—and a compelling blend of originality, rarity, and expert restoration. Documented, it is confirmed by its factory Kardex and Porsche Classic Technical Certificate as matching-numbers throughout, retaining both its original engine no. 34439 and original transmission no. 5263. Completed for the U.S. market, it features characteristic details such as the MPH speedometer and sealed-beam headlights, as supplied to Company Hoffman in New York.
Its original color specification places it firmly among the elite. Finished from new in the seldom-seen Speedster (Sky) Blue, a hue bestowed on only approximately 180 Speedsters in total production, the car retains its factory-correct livery—presented today in a superlative high-level restoration faithful to the original tone. The interior specification, Acella Bast basket-weave in wheat cream, evokes the legendary 550 Spyders and contributes to an overall visual composition of exceptional rarity. Both exterior and interior colors are confirmed as original via the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and factory Kardex.
The car's recent restoration, performed to an uncompromising concours standard, comprised a complete body-off process with the highest regard for period-correct integrity. The body and paintwork are exemplary, with the undercarriage and pans expertly replaced for longevity and authenticity. All major mechanical systems—including the engine, transaxle, suspension, and brakes—were comprehensively rebuilt, contributing to the car's exceptional roadworthiness and mechanical correctness.
The interior and convertible top were entrusted to the leading experts at Autos International, renowned for their expertise in period Porsche cabins, while the restoration of critical trim components was executed by Victor Miles. Instrumentation was meticulously restored by Palo Alto Speedometer, and a new wiring harness fabricated and fitted by Y & Z, assuring the car's electrical reliability and safety. The car presents today as a model of specialist craftsmanship, with little more than 62 miles accrued since the completion of its restoration—effectively as-new and displaying the crispness and integrity of a freshly completed project. The entire exterior is protected by an expertly applied paint protection film (PPF), ensuring preservation of its pristine finish.
Accompanying documentation further attests to the car's authenticity. Supplied with its Certificate of Authenticity, correct toolkit and spare, and original owner's manual.
Service records establish its early life in the United States, with maintenance in New York through 1965, and a more recent workshop order from Porsche Palm Springs recording a technical inspection in November 2025.
Owing to its quality, the car has been selected for display at the prestigious Quail Motorsports Gathering, underscoring its eligibility for blue-chip concours events and international exhibitions. In terms of mechanical authenticity, it retains its matching factory engine and transaxle, both painstakingly rebuilt to original specifications. All major assemblies are reported to be correct to the 1955 build, with the interior retrim reflecting its factory configuration in both color and materials.
This singular Speedster sits at the crossroads of rarity, restoration excellence, and documented authenticity. For the discerning collector seeking a centerpiece for a world-class Porsche or postwar sports car collection, chassis 80341 presents a rare opportunity. As one of the earliest and most correct Speedsters—and with its extraordinary provenance, color, and restoration—this car is an unrepeatable offering and one of the true blue-chip icons of the Porsche marque.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
