1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster
VIN. WP0EB0913KS173014
Engine no. 64K04614
3,164cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
217bhp at 5,900rpm
5-Speed Manual G50 Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*The very car to be featured on the cover of Road & Track Magazine
*Highly original example in striking Linen Grey Metallic over Cashmere Beige
*Rare, one-year-only 911 Speedster with desirable G50 Transaxle lending its lineage to the 356 Speedster
*Complete with original manuals, tools, comprehensive history file and Certificate of Authenticity

THE PORSCHE 911 SPEEDSTER

Porsche's first take on an open-top 911 had been the Targa model of 1965. A "halfway house" design chosen because of fears that a genuine soft-top would not meet US federal safety regulations, but by 1981 the company felt able to proceed with the genuine article. Introduced in normally aspirated 3.0-liter form in 1982, the 911 Cabriolet proved a hit from the moment it debuted at the Geneva Salon in March. By the end of the 1983 model year, it had sold over 4,000 units, a total some 50% higher than that achieved by the less expensive Targa version.

Completing the soft-top 911 line-up was the Speedster, which revived a charismatic model from Porsche's past when it arrived in 1989. The name was previously applied to many of the stylish Type 356 variants. The 3.2-liter Speedster was launched immediately prior to the introduction of the new Type 964 bodyshell; thus, was the last 911 model to feature the old-style body based on the original design of 1963. The latter was reworked by chief stylist Tony Lapine, incorporating numerous references to the original 356 Speedster, as well as a pair of controversial "camel hump" cowlings behind the seats that concealed the stowed-away manual top—a simplified affair described by the factory as for "temporary" use only. From 1984 Porsche had offered the "Turbo Look" body style—flared wheel arches, large rear wing and deeper front spoiler—on its normally aspirated models. This option was extended to the Speedster, the vast majority of which were ordered with it. One of the rarest of the 911 family, the Speedster was built during 1989 only, and a mere 2,065 cars were completed.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This very Speedster is indeed a celebrity in the Porsche world, having been pictured on the cover of Road & Track Magazine shortly after it was completed the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works in April of 1989. Finished as it appears today, the Speedster left the factory in the striking Linen Grey Metallic color over a Cashmere Beige and partial black leather interior; a stunningly beautiful livery for the model, and authentically in tune with the era it was built. This special 911 was equipped with the California State emissions system and destined for the North American market. The long list of optional equipment fitted included a Blaupunkt Charleston radio, LSD G50 5-speed transaxle, shorter gear lever, rear luggage compartment, comfort seats, alarm system, air conditioning, velour carpeting in luggage compartment and Bridgestone tires. Indeed a long list of options for this Speedster which was intended for promotional use.

The car's original warranty book was stamped on April 19, 1989, by the Porsche factory, and a Tourist Pas was issued for first owner, Mr. Raymond Benford of Santa Ana, who would travel to Zuffenhausen and pick the Porsche up. Stuttgart tourist-delivery license plates were issued, which still remains with the car today. The Speedster would be exported to California months later, where it then would feature on the cover and in a lengthy article of the January 1990 issue of Road & Track magazine. According to the CARFAX report on file, the Porsche appears to have remained in California ever since. The Porsche has been kept in extremely good care and remains highly original throughout, with just 27,577 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging. The Speedster has been continually stored inside, which has kept the car in spectacular original condition

This superb 911 Carrera Speedster is complete with its original owner's and warranty manuals in pouch, space saver spare tire with inflator kit, the Road & Track article, the tourist-delivery Stuttgart license plates and its Porsche-issued factory Certificate of Authenticity detailing its original specification. From the very end of what is considered the original 911 design and benefiting from all the significant production upgrades such as the G50 5-speed transaxle, this top-of-the-line Speedster is rapidly becoming as collectible as its namesake 1950s progenitor. Finding one in original and unharmed condition, with such exciting early history as this very car, is a rare opportunity not to be missed.