Chassis No. 82895

Engine No. 80763

Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster is arguably the epochal model for the Porsche brand. The reason for its creation is widely known – built at the behest of Porsche's renowned U.S. importer Max Hoffman as an affordable Porsche able to compete in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. The spartan, purpose-built sports car was priced at an affordable $2,995 at port of entry and devoid of any luxury equipment, leaving only a low-profile windscreen, three circular dashboard instruments, and two bucket seats. In 1500 Super form, it became a popular boulevard race car for some and a class-winning SCCA race car for others before being replaced by the more powerful 1600 in 1955. At no additional cost over its predecessor, the 1600 boasted an almost ten-percent horsepower increase up from 55 to 60 horsepower and made over 100 mph possible for the first time in the spartan Speedster.

Belonging to an exclusive group of "Super" Speedsters, this 1957 Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster was originally delivered with the rare and desirable Type 616/2 1600 Super engine producing 75 horsepower instead of the standard 60 horsepower 1600 engine according to a digital copy of its factory Kardex. On 16 January 1957, this left-hand-drive Speedster, chassis number 82895, was delivered new in White with a Black Kunstleder (leatherette) interior and equipped with the potent 1,582 cc air-cooled Super engine, sealed beam headlights, and U.S.-specification bumpers. It is understood to have spent many years on the West Coast under the capable stewardship of noted Porsche specialists European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, before being sold to an enthusiast owner in New Jersey by the late 2000s. The Speedster subsequently passed to the current New York-based collector who commissioned a thorough restoration by Autosport Designs, Inc. in Huntington Station, New York to its superb Silver Metallic over Black livery with black square-weave carpets, black top, and black side curtains.

It should be noted that according to its factory Kardex warranty card, the presently equipped 1600 Super engine is recognized to be the original, matching-numbers unit. Mated to a four-speed manual transaxle, the well-restored Speedster shifts and revs smoothly, making it an ideal candidate for immediate entry into an array of historic tours or a leisurely cruise up the Pacific Coast. With its highly desirable, matching-numbers 1600 Super engine and stunning restoration in classic colors, chassis number 82895 presents Porsche devotees with an opportunity to experience the superb engineering and rugged simplicity that has made the Speedster among the most desired of all 356 variants.