1989 Porsche 911 Speedster

Proceeds from sale to benefit multiple philanthropic organizations
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
VIN. WP0EB0919KS173079
Engine no. 64K05455
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

*Purchased new by Roy Orbison's wife
*Less than 20,000 original miles
*Very well optioned
*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

One of only 824 '89 Speedsters to come to the United States from new, this triple black example, according to the copy of the Manufacturer's Certificate of Original on file, was purchased new by Barbara Orbison, the wife of the legendary rock and roller Roy Orbison. While Roy achieved massive fame for his many hits, 22 of which would reach the Billboard Top 40 in the 1960s, Barbara (née Jakobs) was a successful music producer and entrepreneur in her own right managing and producing her husband's work both before and after his death as well other projects.

Mrs. Orbison was no stickler for options. According to a copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, when ordering the car new from Max Dial Porsche in Los Angeles, she selected the sport seats with electric height adjustment, rear seat delete, cruise control, black velour trimmed trunk compartment, air conditioning, cruise control, and a factory alarm system. Not surprisingly, the standard Blaupunkt 'Charleston' radio didn't cut it, so she opted for the rarely seen and superior Blaupunkt Cheyenne unit.

Well kept in the ensuing years, the car remained in California until it joined the collection of the seller in January of 2016. Currently showing 19,250 miles from new, it is complete with the requisite factory accessories including the toolkit, books and manuals—including the Speedster supplemental manuals, and even the rarely seen Porsche-branded cassette tape cleaner kit. This is of course in addition to the copies of the MSO and COA as well as its clean CARFAX report that accompany the car.

Turn the radio to local rock station (or pop in your old Roy Orbison cassette tape), drop the top, and hit the road in this fine, rock and roll pedigreed Speedster.