Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster was a true dual-purpose sports car – one that could serve as both daily transportation and, with minor modifications, a successful weekend race car.

Originally priced at $2,995 – well below Porsche’s Coupe and Cabriolet models – the Speedster was equipped with a stylish, cut-down windscreen, racy bucket seats, minimal folding soft top, and side curtains in place of standard roll-up windows. These features reduced the car’s weight and made it ideally suited to competition use. It was not long before the 356 Speedster established itself as a dominant force in sports car racing.

With its competition record, brilliant driving dynamics, and quality build, the Speedster was a favorite among sports car enthusiasts – particularly in California, where top-down motoring was possible almost every day of the year. The fact that celebrities such as James Dean and Steve McQueen owned Speedsters contributed greatly to the model’s iconoclastic image.

According to a copy of the accompanying Porsche Kardex, this 356 A Speedster, chassis 82114, is an original 1600 Super model, which was originally equipped with a high-performance type 616/2 engine. Completed at the factory in March 1956, this Speedster was specified with US-market equipment and finished in black over red vinyl upholstery. Notably, only 141 Speedsters were originally painted black, making this a particularly rare and desirable car.

Noted as a Werksverkauf, or direct factory sale, the Speedster was sold new to Mr. D.J. Shrimpton, who presumably took European delivery of the car, as suggested by early services noted on the Kardex. Subsequent owners include Stuart Shumpk of San Marino, California and Richard Cupp of La Cañada, California. In November 1992, the Speedster was acquired by the Mullin Collection. At some time prior to acquisition, the car’s original engine was replaced with the current unit, numbered 80495.

Beautifully presented in its rare, as-delivered color scheme and accompanied by a tool kit, jack, and copy of the Porsche Kardex, this Speedster is an ideal choice for a multitude of rallies, concours, and marque gatherings.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.