1955 Speedster
Offered here is an outstanding 1955 Pre A Porsche 356 Speedster, one of only 1,700 built worldwide. This particular example began its life shipped to Max Hoffman the U.S. Porsche distributor, located in New York city. It was initially registered in California where it spent its first twenty eight years. The current owner purchased the car in 1981 and a few years later brought it to Michigan where it currently resides. Amazingly, this Speedster has been driven only 50,886 miles from new.
The Speedster has been refreshed by the current owner in the forty four years he has had it. The car was originally red, but was repainted black before the present owner bought it. After a time, the paint deteriorated so the current owner had the body stripped to bare metal and repainted its current glossy black. The interior was also redone. Leather seat covers in the same matching pattern and color replaced the original vinyl ones. Coco Mats cover the original rubber flooring. The black convertible top and windshield were replaced recently and the side curtains are in perfect shape. The end result of these cosmetic changes is show stopping.
The original 1500 normal engine was replaced by the previous owner with a similar motor. In 1983, the current owner upgraded it the engine with a big bore kit and Zenith carburetors installed by a 356 specialist with parts obtained from Stoddard Imported Cars in Willoughby, OH. The transmission was also refreshed at the same time.
The Speedster has a black, centrally zipped tonneau cover, a wooden Nardi steering wheel and chrome wheels. There is a tiny ding in the right front fender and one in the right front hubcap. Four new 15 inch Michelin tires were mounted last year. Service records are included as well as the spare tire which is not shown in the photo gallery. The vehicle runs great and needs nothing. There has never been any rust on the vehicle. The car is stored winters in a heated garage and has been driven minimally. The owner has a large car collection but drives all of his vehicles less and less. As a result he has decided to “thin the herd.” And sell some of his prized possessions.
This 1955 Speedster is an outstanding example, both in terms of appearance and drivability. It has been displayed at Eyes on Design and the Concourse d’Elegance of America. Any car collector would be proud to add this rare, pristine Pre A Speedster to their collection.
