The Porsche 356 Speedster exists because of a hunch. In 1954, U.S. importer Max Hoffman convinced Ferry Porsche that Americans wanted something cheaper, lighter, and more focused than the standard cabriolet, and the result was a stripped-down roadster with a chopped windscreen and bucket seats. Roughly 200 Pre-A Speedsters were built that first year, which makes every survivor a genuine piece of the marque's history. This Signal Red example, now live on Hagerty Marketplace, is one of them.
The car carries documented history back to the early 1960s and was owned from 1977 by a devoted Porsche enthusiast who kept it for decades. A refurbishment wrapped up in 2006 returned it to Signal Red over tan leather with burgundy piping, the paint handled by Finish Line of Jacksonville and the upholstery by L&S Upholstery of Gainesville, Florida.
Mechanically, it's been touched by names that mean something to 356 people. The 1,582cc Type 616 engine was built by Duane Spencer of Shasta Design, the transmission was rebuilt by respected 356 specialist Vic Skirmants, and the gauges were restored by North Hollywood Speedometer. A new YNZ wiring harness, an electric auxiliary fuel pump, and working oil-pressure and fuel gauges were added to make the car more usable on the road.
For collectors who care about matching numbers, there's a sweetener: a crated 1,500cc flat-four said to be the car's original, numbers-matching unit accompanies the sale. The lot also includes a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a Reutter Certificate of Production, two sets of side curtains, service records, manufacturer's literature, and a clean Texas title in the current owner's name.
Located in Larkspur, California, the Speedster has already drawn spirited bidding, climbing past $91,000 with roughly a week left to run. Given how rarely a documented first-year Pre-A Speedster with its original engine comes to market, that number may have room to grow.
See it here on Hagerty Marketplace.