In 1954, Porsche introduced its delightful Speedster as a 1955 model. Essentially willed into being by the powerful New York-based foreign car impresario, Max Hoffman, this roadster proved to be extremely competitive both in the showroom and on the track. In effect a stripped-down Cabriolet with a removable windshield, the Speedster was devoid of almost every amenity for its base price of under $3,000 delivered in New York; even its heating system was an extra-cost option. A pair of side-curtains and a folding fabric top kept bad weather at bay.

Speedsters could be enjoyed as everyday transportation, then driven to local racing circuits—where owners would adhere masking tape to the glass-covered headlamps, apply taped numbers to the doors and decklids, and line up on the starting grid. Speedsters quickly established themselves as the car to beat in under-2-liter US amateur racing.

This example on offer, chassis number 82942, originally left the factory finished in Aquamarine Blue over a Beige leatherette interior and was further outfitted with the more powerful 1600 Super engine, sealed-beam headlights, and USA bumpers. It was built on 28 January 1957 and distributed through the famed dealer, Max Hoffman of New York.

The Speedster eventually made its way to the West Coast, where it was purchased by the consignor in 1990 from Classic Motorsports of Santa Rosa, California. Painted black with a black interior at the time, the car was lovingly enjoyed for 25 years until the consignor commissioned a complete “nut and bolt” restoration from 2015–2017 to its present configuration. The work was split among a select group of Michigan’s foremost 356 experts: Body and paint were completed by Larry Smith’s Autometric; mechanicals, including the present engine and gearbox, which were installed in the car when purchased by the consignor but are replacement units, were fully rebuilt by former SCCA 356 champion Vic Skirmants; the interior was done by Hof Designs; and assembly by Neil Goldberg’s Neil’s 356 Restoration, Gilson Motorsports, and Jeff Jones Automotive Techniques.

Within the scope of the restoration the 356 was fitted with more desirable mag wheels, LED lights for better driving visibility, a wonderful-sounding straight pipe exhaust, and an electronic kill switch. The car is accompanied by top cover, side windows, tool roll, and restoration invoices, along with its Porsche Production Specifications document and a copy of its Kardex.

The 356 Speedster is one of the most famous Porsche models, and one of the most recognizable sports cars ever produced. This expertly restored example is sure to impress future ownership for many miles to come.