GENERAL

Porsche’s iconic 356 Speedster was the brainchild of New York-based car dealer Max Hoffman, the godfather of the 300 SL Gullwing, who wanted an affordable stripped-down version of the Porsche 356 to put in the hands of amateur club racers in 1957.

In order to save weight, the Speedster had no side windows and featured a shorter, raked windscreen.

These stripped-down Speedsters were considerably cheaper than the other 356 models, selling for less than $3,000. Today, because of their rarity—Porsche produced only 1,171 units for 1957—and their sheer character, they are by far the most valuable of any 356 model.

The current owner acquired the Speedster offered here last year. Since the car had been standing for some time after it’s resoration, he had the Speedster recommissioned to be ready to drive anywhere as soon as he took delivery of the car.

In the short timespan of his ownership, he enjoyed the car for around 650 kms, but he has since found more joy in driving a very special 1990’s Porsche, which is the only reason for sale.
EXTERIOR

This Reutter built speedster is a wonderful example, originally delivered by Max Hoffman on February 11th 1957.

The car’s original livery was Aquamarine blue over Beige. The current black paintwork looks very nice and suits the car’s shapes well.

As you probably already noticed, this example comes equipped with a set of genuine Rudge centre lock wheels. These very rare and super valuable wheels have been know to sell for over 50.000 EUR for a set. The spare wheel is also a genuine Rudge wheel.

Glass and brightwork are in good shape and the chromeware contrasts beautifully with the black paint. When these cars are in bad condition structurally, they are known for having ill fitting doors and engine- and bootlids. This example however, has very nice panel gaps and straight lines all around.

The beige speedster roof and the side windows come with the car and are in good condition.
INTERIOR

The beige leather interior has een renewed some time in the past. It appears to have been used very little since, since there are no signs of use or wear to be seen.

The floor covering and carpets appear to be all to original specification and are in perfect condition.

The sports bucket seats are a perfect match for the car’s lightweight character. The quality of the seat upholstery work was done to a very high standard.

The hellelfenbein steering wheel is protected with a leather wrap around cover. Instruments are in very good condition. The odometer was reset after the restoarion and is displaying 576 Miles, 400 of which were added this year.

The rear seating area is trimmed to the same standard as the rest of the interior.

ENGINE

The Speedster is fitted with a more powerful 1600 Super engine, which makes the car very nible to drive. Fear not, the original matching numbers engine comes with the car and is also included in the sale.

The engine compartment is very clean, and the original type decals are a nice touch. Two performance air filters make for a lovely induction sound when driving.

Valve covers and crankcase appear to be very dry for a 356, which most often is not the case on these cars.
The current owner acquired the Speedster offered here last year. Since the car had been standing for some time after it’s resoration, he had the Speedster recommissioned to be ready to drive anywhere as soon as he took delivery of the car.
BODY

The undercarriage of the speedster is impressively clean. The suspension, brakes and other moving components have all been rebuilt.

The front boot area is in a good condition. The spare Rudge wheel is the most beautiful piece of luggage we can think of.
PAPER TRAIL

The Speedster has Belgium registration documents. It also comes with a copy of the original build extract, and an American title dating back to 2012.