Chassis Number: 83100
The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-liter version of Porsche’s horizontally opposed 4, gaining the new 1.6-liter, 60-horsepower engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1956. The Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant 100 mph was possible. Combined with its renowned handling characteristics, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports-car racing scene. Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model, arguably the most handsome of the 356 variants, enjoys iconic status. This sporting Speedster can trace a history back to day one, with a copy of the Kardex on file showing it to have been supplied on March 27, 1957. As it is today, it was delivered in white paint, but at that time had a red leatherette interior, and options of an antenna and sealed-beam headlights. Very early on in its life it must have joined its spiritual home in the U.S., for it is known to have been over here from at least the start of the 1960s, if not before. A thick binder of receipts for parts and the work done together with much information on the car’s history accompany it. Looking like it really means “business,” its light racing guise includes headlamp grilles, hood straps, Carrera engine lid and GS/GT tach. The original body-hugging seats are now finished in black leatherette piped in red, and racing seat belts are fitted. Reported to go like a “scalded cat,” this is an honest, older restoration of an icon with a well-charted history.
