1956 Porsche 356A 1600 SpeedsterChassis no. 82639Engine no. 65307 (see text)
1956 Porsche 356A 1600 SpeedsterCoachwork by ReutterChassis no. 82639Engine no. 65307 (see text)
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine2 Twin-Choke Carburetors60bhb at 4,500rpm4-Speed Manual Transaxle4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes*Offered with rare and desirable Hard Top*Exquisite restoration by specialist shop '356 Unlimited'*Awarded 'Best Speedster' at 356 Owners Group Show *Offered with restoration records, tool kit, copy of Kardex and COATHE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTEROne of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche. Based on his father's Volkswagen "Beetle," it employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. The year 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. The Porsche 356 was offered as a closed Coupe or open Cabriolet, although arguably the most iconic and collectible model of the 356, was the limited production 356 Speedster. This lithe racy Roadster-type sportscar was tailored by Max Hoffman to the American market, with a low, raked windshield, easily removed for racing. Light bucket seats replaced the standard seats and side windows were discarded in favor of side curtains. The Speedster was an immediate hit from its 1954 introduction. Some 200 were built initially, but the next year sales burgeoned to more than 1,000. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this meant that the Speedster was an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Late in 1955, the 356 received its first upgrade as the 356A, with a 1600cc engine in various stages of tune. Today, the 356 Speedster remains a Porsche icon on par with the 550 Spyder and the 911. These cars offer exceptional handling, timeless styling, and most of all...joy to those lucky enough to occupy its two seats.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDCompleted at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works on October 10, 1956 as a 1957 model-year car, Speedster 82639's white exterior reflected the German racing cars of the pre-War era, while the black leatherette interior provided an attractive contrast. The sports car hungry US market was the original destination for this Porsche and further to importer Max Hoffman. The car's options were USA style bumpers, sealed beam headlights and a speedometer in miles per hour. According to a copy of the original Porsche Kardex, the factory completion and early record of the car, the Speedster would return to Hoffman's service facility on November 26, 1957. Further details of the Porsche's early history remain unknown at this point, but the car was acquired a little less than decade ago by the consignor, a prominent Naples, Florida based Porsche collector and enthusiast, who soon set out to have the aging 356 A Speedster ground up restored. The specialists at Melbourne, Florida based 356 Unlimited would be retained to perform a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration to factory correct specifications. Over the course of 21 months, no stone was left unturned and no detail ignored in an effort to bring this Porsche into its former state of excellence. The restoration is carefully documented by many receipts and photographs and the result is indeed spectacular. The engine fitted is a period-correct, 356A 1600 type 616/1 unit, manufactured around 9 months later than the unit fitted when new (63076 vs 65307). Finished in the classic and appropriate color combination of Silver Metallic over Red, the Speedster is accompanied by a rare and desirable Hard Top, as well as the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the original Kardex built sheet, and a tool kit. Since the comprehensive restoration was completed, the Speedster has been used sparingly and kept in a climate-controlled environment. Additionally, it was awarded 'Best Speedster' at a 356 Owners Group Event. The 356 Speedster was Porsche's ultimate expression of the raw sports car, and this exists as a prime example of one of Stuttgart's most beloved models. These cars are very light, nimble and offer sharp, precise steering and handling capabilities. Furthermore, adequate stopping power from the large hydraulic drum brakes round of the well balanced driving experience. The contoured bucket racing-style seats keeps one from sliding around the cockpit in tight turns, and really gives you the feeling of driving something very close to a go-kart. This spectacular Speedster would be a superb participant in any number of significant vintage driving events, such as the Copperstate 1000 Road Rally or California Mille, and would surely offer the driver and passenger a thrilling ride.
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1956 Porsche 356A 1600 SpeedsterCoachwork by ReutterChassis no. 82639Engine no. 65307 (see text)
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine2 Twin-Choke Carburetors60bhb at 4,500rpm4-Speed Manual Transaxle4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes*Offered with rare and desirable Hard Top*Exquisite restoration by specialist shop '356 Unlimited'*Awarded 'Best Speedster' at 356 Owners Group Show *Offered with restoration records, tool kit, copy of Kardex and COATHE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTEROne of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche. Based on his father's Volkswagen "Beetle," it employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. The year 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. The Porsche 356 was offered as a closed Coupe or open Cabriolet, although arguably the most iconic and collectible model of the 356, was the limited production 356 Speedster. This lithe racy Roadster-type sportscar was tailored by Max Hoffman to the American market, with a low, raked windshield, easily removed for racing. Light bucket seats replaced the standard seats and side windows were discarded in favor of side curtains. The Speedster was an immediate hit from its 1954 introduction. Some 200 were built initially, but the next year sales burgeoned to more than 1,000. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this meant that the Speedster was an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Late in 1955, the 356 received its first upgrade as the 356A, with a 1600cc engine in various stages of tune. Today, the 356 Speedster remains a Porsche icon on par with the 550 Spyder and the 911. These cars offer exceptional handling, timeless styling, and most of all...joy to those lucky enough to occupy its two seats.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDCompleted at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works on October 10, 1956 as a 1957 model-year car, Speedster 82639's white exterior reflected the German racing cars of the pre-War era, while the black leatherette interior provided an attractive contrast. The sports car hungry US market was the original destination for this Porsche and further to importer Max Hoffman. The car's options were USA style bumpers, sealed beam headlights and a speedometer in miles per hour. According to a copy of the original Porsche Kardex, the factory completion and early record of the car, the Speedster would return to Hoffman's service facility on November 26, 1957. Further details of the Porsche's early history remain unknown at this point, but the car was acquired a little less than decade ago by the consignor, a prominent Naples, Florida based Porsche collector and enthusiast, who soon set out to have the aging 356 A Speedster ground up restored. The specialists at Melbourne, Florida based 356 Unlimited would be retained to perform a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration to factory correct specifications. Over the course of 21 months, no stone was left unturned and no detail ignored in an effort to bring this Porsche into its former state of excellence. The restoration is carefully documented by many receipts and photographs and the result is indeed spectacular. The engine fitted is a period-correct, 356A 1600 type 616/1 unit, manufactured around 9 months later than the unit fitted when new (63076 vs 65307). Finished in the classic and appropriate color combination of Silver Metallic over Red, the Speedster is accompanied by a rare and desirable Hard Top, as well as the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the original Kardex built sheet, and a tool kit. Since the comprehensive restoration was completed, the Speedster has been used sparingly and kept in a climate-controlled environment. Additionally, it was awarded 'Best Speedster' at a 356 Owners Group Event. The 356 Speedster was Porsche's ultimate expression of the raw sports car, and this exists as a prime example of one of Stuttgart's most beloved models. These cars are very light, nimble and offer sharp, precise steering and handling capabilities. Furthermore, adequate stopping power from the large hydraulic drum brakes round of the well balanced driving experience. The contoured bucket racing-style seats keeps one from sliding around the cockpit in tight turns, and really gives you the feeling of driving something very close to a go-kart. This spectacular Speedster would be a superb participant in any number of significant vintage driving events, such as the Copperstate 1000 Road Rally or California Mille, and would surely offer the driver and passenger a thrilling ride.
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