1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster
VIN. WP0EB0910KS173116
Engine no. 64K05556
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

*From the Collection of Walter & Emily Mead
*One owner from new
*Less than 2,990 original miles
*Recent service at Patrick Motorsports
*Extensive list of accompaniments and documentation

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 U.S. federal safety regulations. 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 of its debut at the Geneva Salon in March. By the end of the 1983 model year, the 911 Cabriolet 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 previously having been applied to that most stylish of the many 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 wheelarches, large rear wing and deeper front spoiler—on its normally aspirated models. This option was extended to the Speedster and the vast majority were ordered with it. One of the rarest of the 911 family, the Speedster was only built during 1989, and a mere 2,065 cars were completed.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This outstanding 1989 911 Carrera Speedster is part of Walter and Emily Meads world class Porsche collection. Mr. Mead ordered the Speedster new with Silver Metallic paint over a Black Leather interior. The car was heavily optioned for the U.S. with a limited slip differential, left and right sport seats with electronic height adjustment, a rear luggage compartment instead of rear seats, a raised hub steering wheel, Blaupunkt "Reno" radio, alarm system, black velour luggage compartment, and Goodyear Tires. The Speedster was completed at the factory on May 22, 1989 and delivered to Semersky Enterprises in Highland Park, Illinois. On August 21, 1989, an Illinois non-resident drive-away permit was issued, and the car made its way home to New Mexico. The Speedster was first registered in New Mexico on August 7, 1989.

Having been rarely driven throughout its life, the car has only covered 2,985 miles from the time it left the factory to the time of cataloging. The car had been continually stored inside a temperature-controlled garage at Mr. Meads home in New Mexico. The dry desert climate has kept the car in "time capsule" condition, the car is as original as they come. Prior to making its way to Bonhams, the Speedster was sent to one of the country's leading air cooled Porsche experts, Patrick Motorsports. At Patrick Motorsports, the car was serviced and detailed, before leaving with a clean bill of health.

This single owner, limited production 911 Carrera Speedster is offered with service receipts and an extensive list of accompaniments including virtually every item that it was delivered with. Some of those items are: the original manuals in the original pouch (including the supplemental speedster manual with the letter from Porsche), the original jack, tools, and the first aid kit. A better example of the second series Speedster may very well never be found.