This 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster was produced on December 23, 1957, and was distributed new through Max Hoffman in New York. The car was reportedly raced in the Northeast between 1958 and 1962 and later spent time in storage before a refurbishment was initiated in 1989. The work is said to have continued slowly until 2004 when the car was returned to the road. It was purchased three years later by the seller who subsequently had a replacement 912-sourced 1.6L flat-four installed. Other modifications include a 741/2 four-speed manual transaxle, 356C-sourced four-wheel disc brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder, and a 12-volt electrical system. Finished in red with a tan convertible top, the car also features light brown leather upholstery, a black top boot, chromed 15″ ventilated steel wheels, dual side mirrors, body-color bumpers, and a Blaupunkt CD player. This Speedster is now offered with a copy of the Kardex, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, side curtains, the owner’s manual, spare parts, records, literature, a tool kit, and a clean California title in the seller’s name that lists the car as a 1957 model.
The Reutter-built body was finished from the factory in Ruby Red (5702) and received bodywork between 1989 and 2004 before it was repainted. The floor pans, longitudinals, closing panels, jack receptacles, and battery box were reportedly replaced as part of the project, and evidence of filler is noted by the seller. Features include a replacement tan canvas soft top, a black top boot, dual side mirrors, removable side curtains, and body-color bumpers. Dings, dents, and chips are noted on the exterior.
Chromed 15″ ventilated steel wheels are mounted with 165/80 Classic Radial LL800 tires. 356C-spec disc brakes have been added all around along with a dual-circuit master cylinder.
The fixed-back bucket seats are upholstered in light brown leather, and interior appointments include an under-dash Blaupunkt CD stereo, a cabin heater, tan square-weave carpets, a passenger-side grab handle, and a body-color painted dashboard.
The two-spoke steering wheel frames a central 6k-rpm tachometer, a 120-mph speedometer, and a combination gauge monitoring oil temperature and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 67k miles, approximately 16k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The replacement 1.6-liter flat-four was rebuilt by Competition Engineering in 2005 and is based on a 1967 Porsche 912 block with a big-bore kit, JE pistons, and a mild cam. It was installed under current ownership in 2007. The car has been converted to 12-volt electrics.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a replacement 741/2 four-speed manual transaxle that was rebuilt in 2014, and the clutch was replaced in 2005.
The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity shows a completion date in December 1957 along with the original colors and drivetrain numbers. A copy of the Kardex can be viewed in the gallery.
Spare parts, including a damaged 912 short block and two 356 engine cases, are included in the sale along with an engine stand, a tool kit, various manuals and books, reproduction parts lists, other Porsche-related literature, and 356 registry magazines.