1955 Porsche Speedster

Although Ferdinand Porsche did not commence building cars until 1948, his engineering pedigree was well established, with designs ranging from the awesome Auto Union V16 Grand Prix car to the Tiger tank. After World War II, however, and fresh from serving a two year prison sentence as a result, Porsche decided in 1947 to build his own sports car. Given project number 356, by August 1948 the first production model had been completed. With aluminum fastback coachwork, pressed steel chassis and the engine behind the rear axle, manufacture began late in 1948 and the 356 debuted at the 1949 Geneva Show.

Power came from a 40 bhp, 1,086 cc engine mated to a four-speed gearbox, with independent torsion bar/trailing arm suspension and drum brakes all round. Allied to 87mph and 0-60 in 17 seconds was excellent fuel economy due to good aerodynamics and low weight.

By 1954, however, Porsche sales in the USA were suffering from the onslaught of MG, Austin...