1956 Porsche 356A 1600 SPEEDSTER

1956 Porsche 356A 1600 SPEEDSTER
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 82391
Engine no. 66055 (see text)
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Exquisite nut and bolt restoration by marque experts
*Ultra-desirable Aquamarine Blue over Red
*Long term enthusiast ownership
*Highly correct example ready for the show field
*Documented with a COA, Kardex, and substantial restoration file

THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER

Constant development saw the 356's engine enlarged first to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. A cabriolet followed hot on the heels of the original 356 Coupe and then in 1952 a trial batch of 15 roadsters was constructed at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who had persuaded Porsche of the potential for a 'cut-price' entry-level model. The roadsters' successful reception in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The Speedster's inspiration is also credited to John von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. Explaining such a car's appeal Neumann once said: 'Guys want to go, on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.' Plus ça change ...

Instantly recognizable by virtue of its low, wraparound windscreen, its smaller and entirely retractable top, lower door waistline and twin bucket seats (all of which served to emphasize its sporting image), the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model from Porsche intended to compete with the less-expensive British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-liter version of Porsche's horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1.6-liter, 60bhp engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant 100mph was possible. Combined with its renowned handling characteristics, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene.

Testing the Speedster alongside its Coupe sibling in 1956, Road & Track magazine wrote: "A more comfortable sports car for long, high-speed journeys would be very hard to find and certainly no other car achieves the combination of comfort, performance and fuel economy of the Porsche Continental Speedster or Coupe."

Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model, arguably the most handsome of the 356 variants, enjoys iconic status.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This sporting 1956 356A Speedster is finished in the striking and desirable shade of Aquamarine Blue Metallic (5607). According to a copy of the car's original factory build record (better known as the Kardex), the new Speedster was exported to the US and delivered through Max Hoffman. The Speedster was purchased in the early 1970s by New York based artist, Noel Deagasto. According to Noels wife, the Speedster spent close to 40 years under their stewardship in Bedford Hills, New York. Noel is thought to have been the speedsters second owner. Being local to the area, the consignor was aware of the cars existence and had dreamed of owning it for many years. Eventually, Mrs. Deagasto decided that it was time to part with the family jewel and entrusted the car to the consignor.

At the time of purchase, the car had been partially restored but did not meet the lifelong Porsche enthusiast's exacting standards - leading him to embark on a 4-year, complete nut and bolt, rotisserie restoration. Aside from the chassis number, engine number and model year/type, there is no further information listed on the official Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, which is common of early Porsches. During the breakdown of the car, 5607 Aquamarine Blue Metallic paint was discovered under the headlight buckets and numerous other locations throughout the car. The paint on the back of the original body tags and on the backs of the hinge covers was preserved and is thought to be the original Aquamarine Blue paint from the factory application. Once the car had been fully stripped, it was discovered that all of the body panels, with the exception of the hood which is void of a number, are correctly numbered and match the Certificate of Authenticity. The wheels and gas tank were also discovered to wear the correct date codes and are believed to be original to the car. During the restoration, exhaustive measures were taken to insure that everything was completed to factory correct specifications, with the exception of a single upgrade from a vinyl interior to leather one, which was sourced from Autos International. At the time of restoration, the engine in the car was the incorrect type so an early and correct 1957 3-piece matching case was sourced and rebuilt by noted Porsche 356 expert Ed Rutherford at Klasse 356 for a cost of over $16,000. Once the car car was fully assembled, it was sent to the Porsche wizard at Gaswerks of Paramus, New jersey for fine tuning.

The 42-month restoration was completed in September of 2017 and only wears 300 miles of sorting. The result is immediately apparent upon close examination of the Porsche today. Original parts were kept and restored instead of replaced wherever possible and if a new part was needed, great efforts were made to ensure that they were absolutely correct. From the correct pickle fork wipers to the correct date coded wheels, this Speedster has been restored to perfect condition. A superb example of one of the most iconic and desirable sports cars ever produced, this Speedster is ready to go compete at the most discerning Concours d'Elegance and PCA events globally, or to be used on some of the top driving events. The Speedster is offered with its Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the original build sheet (Kardex), detailed photographs and receipts form the restoration, a jack, an owner's manual, and a tool kit.

While examples of Porsche's legendary Speedster can be found from time to time, an example like this is seldom seen. Boasting a no expense spared, nut and bolt restoration to the highest standards, while finished in the ultra-desirable color of Aquamarine Blue Metallic, this 1956 356A 1600 Speedster is one not to be missed.