1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster

1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster – SOLD 8/18/2023

“THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER

The Porsche 356 was offered as a closed Coupe or open Cabriolet, although arguably the most iconic and collectible model of the 356, was the limited production 356 Speedster. This lithe racy Roadster-type sportscar was tailored by Max Hoffman to the American market, with a low, raked windshield, easily removed for racing. Light bucket seats replaced the standard seats and side windows were discarded in favor of side curtains. The Speedster was an immediate hit from its 1954 introduction. Some 200 were built initially, but the next year sales burgeoned to more than 1,000. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this meant that the Speedster was an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. For the 1958 model-year production, the 356 received numerous upgrades, making these end-of-the-run Speedsters the most desirable of the limited model run. Referred to as the T2 models, they benefitted from an improved transaxle and steering box design, among other refinements. Today the 356 Speedster remains a Porsche icon on par with the 550 Spyder and the 911. These cars offer exceptional handling, timeless styling, and most of all joy to those lucky enough to occupy its two seats.

THE CAR OFFERED

Completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche Works on October 8th, 1957, this spectacular Speedster was built as a 1958 model-year car, to the desirable T2 specification incorporating the mechanical and cosmetic upgrades introduced for the now legendary model during the production run. The Porsche was destined for the North American market, where Max Hoffman’s famous Porsche agency is recorded as having been the importer, and the Speedster is noted to have been fitted with a miles per hour speedometer and sealed beam headlights. 

The original delivery location and colors were not indicated on the Kardex or Certificate of Authenticity, but by the early 1970s this Speedster was owned by Dan Barron and competed in the competitive SCCA E-Production class. By the mid-1970s the Speedster was acquired by Robert Overby of Jacksonville, Florida. Overby and his Speedster won back-to-back SCCA Championships in 1978 and 1979 while setting and holding the Road Atlanta E Production track record for 10 years. The racing success of this Speedster has been followed with write-ups in numerous magazines. In 1979, Robert Overby in this car was deemed as “The World’s Fastest Speedster” by Porsche Panorama magazine. Racing success continued into the late 1980’s as the car was campaigned at Sebring, Daytona, Watkins Glen, Pocono, and many other tracks with Weldon Scrogham and Flip Groggins, of Trans-Am fame, at the wheel. The original logbooks, a complete racing history including race footage, and magazine articles accompany this car. Interestingly the logbooks categorize the car by its 1957 build year of the car, allowing it to participate in the 1950-57 classes.

The current owner, a California-based sportscar collector and enthusiast, acquired the Speedster in 2014, and would soon embark on a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration, returning the desirable Porsche to its original former glory. A full, bare-metal restoration performed with an eye for accuracy on a Cellette Bench in Fresno, California. Any original parts that had been lost to time or required replacement were sourced and then restored or re-plated. The instruments were restored at Hollywood Speedometers in Southern California. The front nose and rear fenders, which required replacement after decades of time spent aggressively competing on the track, were meticulously hand-crafted by Trevor Hammer Works in Ohio. The Ruby Red paint was matched by Willhoit Auto Restorations in Long Beach, California. Small replacement parts were sourced from Sierra Madre Collection or Stoddard Porsche. Finally, the Beige leather interior with Oatmeal square weave carpet and Beige top and cover with matching side curtains were installed by Porsche interior design experts Auto’s International in Escondido, California.

The Speedster’s engine was rebuilt to factory Super specifications, including new plating and powder coating of shields and shrouds. The special Speedster BBAB transmission was disassembled and inspected, tolerances were checked and found to be in excellent condition, and the unit was resealed and reconditioned as needed. The undercarriage, suspension, including the correct undercoating, were beautifully and accurately finished throughout. Koni shock absorbers were fitted at all four corners and the brake drums were restored by Martin Willis in Colorado.

This T-2 Speedster is accompanied by a Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, a Kardex, its amazing photographic racing history, logbooks, records, and magazine articles dating back to the 1970s. Offered with tool kit, an original jack, an owner’s manual along with a Reprint Speedster Manual and restoration file, this spectacular Speedster would be welcomed at future Concours d’Elegance events, or a superb participant in any number of significant rally events, such as the Copperstate 1000 or Going to the Sun.”

Link to auction listing: Bonhams | 1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter