1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster, Coachwork by Reutter

1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 84389
Engine no. 68308
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-Choke Carburetors
60bhb at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Exquisite award-winning restoration by marque experts
*Retains matching numbers engine, gearbox, and original body panels
*Offered with owner's manual, jack, tool kit, and COA
*Presented in the factory-delivered livery, and fitted with desirable, period correct and date coded Rudge Wheels

THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER

One 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 OFFERED

Departing the Zuffenhausen production line on a presumably cold winter day in January of 1958, Speedster 84389's Silver Metallic exterior certainly reflected the frigid conditions, while the dark red leatherette interior provided an attractive contrast. The original destination for this Porsche is unfortunately unknown at this time, but thanks to a 1968 Bill of Sale and a New Jersey Title, the ownership history can be easily traced from this point. This east coast proprietor had the car in his possession for over 40 years until he parted with the sportscar in 2014 when it was handed over to its current owner. The vehicle had been taken apart in 1972 and remained in pieces until a comprehensive restoration project was conducted.

Over the course of 40 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 shops conducted supplemental work. 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. The finer elements such as the brightwork and original instruments were also handled by specialists in the great state of California.

Finished in the color combination it left the factory in nearly 60 years ago, this restoration was completed during the final months of 2017. As mentioned previously, the original gearbox and engine have remained with the vehicle for its entire life. In addition, stampings on the front hood, engine lid, and both doors confirm that the body panels are original to the vehicle. A set of five period correct and date coded Rudge wheels and hubs was sourced and fitted, giving this Speedster an even more racy look as when fitted with the stock hubcaps. Accompanying this spectacular Speedster is the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, jack, owner's manual, and restored tool kit.

The 356 Speedster was Porsche's ultimate expression of the raw sports car, and this example exist 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 at the 2017 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance, Best in Class at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance of Texas and several awards at the PCA Maverick Region Spring 2018 event. This spectacular Speedster would be a superb participant in any number of significant rally events, such as the Copperstate 1000 Road Rally, and would surely offer the driver and passenger a thrilling drive. With its original matching-numbers driveline and body panels still intact, this Speedster checks all the boxes.