1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster Chassis no. 84140 Engine no. 67739

1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 84140 Engine no. 67739
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine2 Twin-Choke Carburetors60bhb at 4,500rpm4-Speed Manual Transaxle4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes*Exquisite award-winning restoration by marque experts of desirable T2 Speedster*Retains matching numbers engine, gearbox, and original body panels*Offered with owner's manual, jack, tool kit, COA, Kardex and restoration file*Presented in the factory-delivered livery of Ruby Red over Tan LeatheretteTHE 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', like that 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. 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. For the 1958 model-year production, the 356 received numerous upgrades, making these end-of-the-run Speedsters the most desirable of the limited model run. Referred to as the T2 models, they benefitted from an improved transaxle and steering box design, among other refinements. 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 November 25th, 1957, this spectacular Speedster was built as a 1958 model-year car, to the desirable T2 specification incorporating the mechanical and cosmetic upgrades introduced for the now legendary model during the production run. The new T2 Speedster was completed with a Ruby Red exterior over a Tan leatherette interior, just as it appears today. The Porsche was destined for the North American market, where Max Hoffman's famous Porsche agency is recorded as having been the importer, and the Speedster is noted to have been fitted with a miles per hour speedometer and sealed beam headlights. The original ultimate US destination for this Porsche is unfortunately unknown at this time, but the Speedster is recorded to have been owned by Wichita, Kansas resident Mr. David G. Crockett by the mid-2000s. The current owner, a Dallas, Texas based sportscar collector and enthusiast, purchased the car in 2015, and would soon embark on a comprehensive, nut and bolt restoration, returning the desirable Porsche to its former glory. Over the course of 54 months, and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, no stone was left unturned and no detail ignored in an effort to bring this Porsche into a state of excellence. A great deal of the 100-point restoration was carried out by 356-expert Roy Smalley of Eurowerks in Campbell Texas, while a handful of other specialist shops conducted supplemental work. Original parts were kept and restored instead of replaced, and where possible, new old stock Porsche parts were used where needed. The original VDO gauges was restored by North Hollywood Speedometer of North Hollywood, California, while chrome and bright work was restored by the renowned specialists at Christensen Plating Works of Vernon, California. The matching numbers transaxle and engine were both rebuilt with the former receiving attention from 356 Enterprises in North Branch Michigan, while the latter was sent to Competition Engineering of Lake Isabella, California. Finished in the color combination it left the factory in more than 60 years ago, the comprehensive restoration was completed during the Summer of 2019. As mentioned previously, the original gearbox and engine have remained with the Porsche since new. In addition, stampings on the front hood, engine lid, and both doors confirm that the body panels are original to the vehicle. Accompanying this spectacular Speedster is the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the original factory build sheet (Kardex), restoration records, jack, driver's manual, and a restored tool kit by Victor Miles of Ventura, California. The 356 Speedster was Porsche's ultimate expression of the raw sports car, and this example exists as a prime example of one of Stuttgart's most beloved models. Serving as evidence to the quality of this Speedster are numerous impressive awards from Concours events across the country, including winning the Best Porsche Award as well as the Palmetto Award at the 2019 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance and People's Choice Award at the 2020 Porsche Club of America North Texas Region show. The spectacular Speedster was also invited for exhibition at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance. This spectacular Speedster would be welcomed and highly competitive at future Concours d'Elegance events, or a superb participant in any number of significant rally events, such as the Copperstate 1000 Road Rally. With its original matching-numbers driveline and body panels still intact, its comprehensive restoration and desirable T2 specification, this Speedster checks all the boxes.