1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster
s/n 84136, Engine no. 213797
Red with Black Interior

The Porsche Speedster is a legendary car built with the “less is more” mentality. It arose out of a desire expressed by American Porsche distributor Max Hoffman for a Porsche that was cheap enough to compete with Triumphs and MGs, which were selling well. In order to get the base price under $3000, the car’s equipment was pared down, which created not only the most inexpensive Porsche at the time, but also the most sporting. Ironically, the cars are now more collectible and valuable than their plusher counterparts. The resulting car had only what was necessary: a cut down windscreen, bucket seats, side curtains, and a rudimentary top. The cars sold well, especially in the United States, and were popular among racers and enthusiasts. Certainly they occupy a unique place among American sports car culture, particularly California culture, where the car’s configuration and rudimentary weather equipment were and remain particularly appropriate.

This particular car was manufactured in November of 1957 and sold new in California as a 1958 model year car. Originally aquamarine blue (5707) in color, this car has had the same owner for the last 26 years and has always been in California. It is a wonderfully solid example with an excellent body and has seen restorative work over the years but never needed complete restoration. I has a lovely wholesome feel and retains its original yellow license plates. In early 2013, the car had a comprehensive service, which included rebuilding the carburetors, replacing the battery, draining and cleaning the fuel tank, replacing the fuel filter and petcock, replacing the spart plugs and ignition contacts, replacing the valve cover gaskets, and changing the oil. This work totaled over $4400.

The car is in very nice driver condition. Perhaps its most impressive attribute is its exceptionally nice body, which has tight, even gaps throughout, and extremely straight panels. The front and rear deck lids release easily, and the doors shut easily with the wonderfully solid 356 sound. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains very nice, with a few signs of minor wear in the form of light scratches and a few small chips from road use. Overall, the paint presents strongly and the car has good driver cosmetics. The glass and lights are excellent throughout and the chrome varies from okay to very good condition. The bumpers and windscreen trim are very good, while the horn grilles and wheels have some pitting. The trim is present and in fine shape and the car sits on Michelin XZX tires. The car has full weather equipment including side curtains.

The interior, like the exterior, shows a high quality driver level presentation. The correct black vinyl upholstery is in excellent shape and is set off by red piping. Correct square weave carpeting is in place and was properly installed, though there is some wear in the driver’s dead pedal area. The dashboard, switches, and instruments are in very good shape. The car has a wood- rimmed Derrington steering wheel, which is in excellent shape.

The engine is clean, detailed, and correctly presented. The decals are in place throughout, and the sheetmetal has been nicely refinished. The correct Knecht air filters are still in place as well. The engine is from a later Porsche but has correct early features such as oil filler neck and air cleaners. The front compartment is in good shape, although the inner fenders are not perfect. The fuel tank appears to have been recently restored, and the spare is in place with leather retaining strap. The car has a tool roll as well. The car is structurally excellent, although the battery box has been replaced. The floors are original and excellent other than one soft spot under the driver’s feet.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a wonderful 356 Speedster to drive and enjoy. A California car from new, this car is distinguished by its excellent body and rare original color combination. While most Speedsters were red or white, a few were painted in other colors, and aquamarine blue is an evocative, rare, and attractive color that will distinguish this car significantly if the new owner decides to repaint it. Certainly the car is currently in fine cosmetic condition, with a nice even patina that makes this a perfect car to use and enjoy, but returning this car to its original color would separate this car from the masses and present an enhancement in value that would likely justify the cost. Additionally, thanks to its 1957 manufacture date (as confirmed by the included Certificate of Authenticity), this car is eligible for prestigious events such as the California Mille. The car is complete with weather equipment, a very complete book set, and tools.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty.  A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction.  Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection.  If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable.  Please use your better (or even your best) judgment.  We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

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