1957 Porsche 356A Speedster
Less is more is an important lesson for anyone interested in purchasing an early Speedster. This was before Porsche realized they could charge more for less equipment :). This 1957 356 Speedster was designed from the factory with minimal extras, the Certificate of Authenticity lists the following; sealed beam headlights and USA bumpers.
We currently have on consignment a matching numbers beautifully restored 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster in Aquamarine Blue Metallic with red leatherette interior (originally had black leatherette interior). Restored by our friends at Vintage Specialties, a private restoration company with a discerning eye for detail.
Vintage Specialities originally purchased the car in Costa Mesa, California in 2017. When purchased, the car wore its original blue California plates and is believed to have been in California since its importation in 1957. Incredibly, the last registered owner was in 1980 and the car hasn’t been regularly driven since. When Vintage Specialities found the car it was painted a faded red but otherwise in very original condition with its matching engine and drivetrain. It wasn’t until disassembly where remnants of the original color (Aqua Marine Blue Metallic 5607) showed up behind door hinges, VIN tags and under flaking red paint. Once the car was completely disassembled, it was discovered that all body panels were correctly numbered and matching. The wheels (including the spare), gas tank, and windshield were also discovered to wear the correct date codes and believed to be original to the car. The car even has the original factory stamped keys which coincide with the Schlüssel-Nr (Key-Number) listed on the Kardex…amazing! In theory, you could call up Porsche, give them your cars Schlüssel-Nr and they would cut you a new key for your 63-year-old Porsche…now that’s German organization at its finest.
It’s rare to find Speedster’s as original as the one we are offering. Often times over the years, engines were swapped out in favor of more powerful offerings, or panels were replaced due to accidents or rust. Originality can only be obtained from the factory once but it can be preserved for future collectors to enjoy. This Speedster’s originality has been preserved and it was painstakingly restored by some of the best craftsmen in the business. The original matching numbers 1600cc engine was rebuilt using period and factory correct spec and hardware as was the transmission. The front/rear/rocker deco trim is original and has been carefully polished. The original early one-piece over-riders front and rear, door handles, license light housing, etc. were carefully triple-plated re-chromed, and look fantastic. The car also has the original “beehive” lenses front/rear with correct SWF stampings. The original wiring harness paired with a 6v battery has been cleaned, tested, and rewrapped in the correct conduit. During the entirety of the restoration, great lengths were taken to restore everything back to factory specification using all the original parts and period correct hardware.
The incredibly rare Aquamarine Blue Metallic paint was a special one-year-only color for the Speedster. It was implemented in early 1957 Speedsters and shortly after discontinued due to quality control issues at the factory. Its predecessor color was Aqua Marine Blue (non-metallic) which was much easier to apply and lacked quality control issues. The car was painted at Vintage Specialities’ state-of-the-art facility and looks spectacular coupled with the red leatherette interior redone by Porsche interior experts Autos International. The original gauges were rebuilt by Palo Alto Speedometer. Chrome was sub-contracted to a local specialist and everything else was done in-house.
The 18-month long restoration was completed in early 2021 and the quality of the car is apparent everywhere you look. From the fantastic paint to the rich red interior this Speedster will hold its own at any discerning Concours D’Elegance show or PCA event. The car shows just 135 break-in miles and drives just as good as it looks. The car comes with the original unrestored steering wheel, the Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche, a copy of the original factory Kardex, photos and invoices from the extensive restoration, a spare 15” wheel, and jack.
To further accommodate our international clients we can provide world wide shipping at owner’s expense. We speak English, German, Dutch and French.
Sale Pending.