Beschreibung
The Porsche 356 Speedster, one of the most iconic versions of Porsche's 356 series, was originally conceived to meet the demand of the American car market. The brainchild of Ferry Porsche, the 356 had its roots in the Volkswagen designed by his father. Similar to the immortal 'Beetle', the 356 shared a platform chassis with an air-cooled engine located at the rear and independent torsion bar suspension. In 1951, an official factory model placed first in its class of up to 1. 100 cc at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the beginning of Porsche's long and successful relationship with the La Sarthe circuit. Through continuous development, the 356's engine gradually grew from 1. 3 to 1. 5 litres. The originally split windscreen was replaced by a one-piece one, while the transmission embraced a synchronised Porsche gearbox. Shortly after the original 356 Coupé, a Cabriolet version was introduced, and in 1952, at the request of US importer Max Hoffman, 15 prototypes of an open car called 'America Roadsters' were built for the American market. This episode testifies to Hoffman's persuasive potential in convincing Porsche of the viability of a simplified car at an affordable price. The enthusiastic reception in the United States led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The inspiration for the Speedster is also attributed to John Von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had modified a coupe built in Gmünd in the late 1940s into a lightweight racing car.
Immediately recognisable by its low, wrap-around windscreen, as opposed to the V-shaped design of the regular version, with a smaller, fully retractable roof, a lowered door line and a distinctive horizontal indentation at the height of the door handles, as well as wraparound seats, all features that emphasised its sporty image. The Speedster was actually a 'budget' model intended to compete with the more affordable British sports cars. Initially powered by Porsche's 1. 5-litre flat-four engine, it later received a new 1. 6-litre, 60 hp engine in 1955, with the launch of the improved 356A. Priced at $2, 995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, benefiting from a new "verve" in performance that allowed it to reach 160 km/ h (100 mph). This performance, combined with its renowned handling, made the Speedster an instant icon in the thriving American motorsport scene. The example we offer here, one of the very first chassis, is in excellent condition today, having undergone a major total restoration by Porsche specialists. Red leather interior restored by specialist Selleria Ferraresi, as well as the hood complete with original side windows. Car matching number and matching colour, ASI Targa Oro homologated and ready to use.
