To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Santa Monica event, June 25-26, 2016.

Chassis No.
WP0EB0917KS173534

Estimate:
$210,000 - $250,000 US

The words “Porsche” and “Speedster” have become synonymous over the past half-century, with the austere open-top sports car of the 1950s representing one of the most exciting and sought-after models ever produced by the German automaker. In the mid-1980s, Porsche President Peter Schutz approved a modern update as a way to reignite some of that delight, and the result was the Carrera Speedster. It certainly helped that the world of exotic and specialty cars was reaching new highs at the time, in terms of desirability and the investment many were willing to make in the late 1980s; Porsche executives saw an opportunity to capitalize on this, while satisfying their core constituency. Porsche enjoys a solid reputation of providing many such collectible sports cars in its 60-plus years at or near the top in the automobile and racing business.

It was a single-year-only offering that was introduced for the 1989 model year, which not coincidentally was the 25th anniversary of the 911. Only 2,104 examples of the new Speedster were built between January and September of 1989, and of that total, only 823 were delivered to the United States. The Speedster, option number M503, was the last variant based on the outgoing K-program chassis, which was soon to be replaced by the almost totally new Type 964. Porsche offered the new Speedster in both slant-nose and turbo-body variants in Germany, but only the turbo-look was sold in the U.S.

Despite being an "image" car that was highly recognizable as a special edition, the 911 Carrera Speedster did not disappoint. The production 1989 Speedster wore a unique aluminum framed windshield that was more than three inches lower and raked five degrees flatter than that of the standard Cabriolet.

Falling into the category of very minimally utilized; this 911 Carrera Speedster is an all-original example with approximately 7,000 verified miles. It still has Cosmoline underneath to further demonstrate the originality. Presented in Grand Prix White with a Cashmere and Black interior with black soft-top; this 911 Carrera Speedster features a five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, color—keyed factory wheels, BFGoodrich Comp T/A tires, air conditioning, storage in place of rear seats, luggage compartment in black velour, heated and height-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, California emission control and a Blaupunkt Charleston AM/FM/cassette unit. Along with a Carfax further documenting the mileage, Certificate of Authenticity, spare tire and toolkit.

The 3.2-liter Carrera-based Speedster is considered by many among the best-sorted, best built and most durable air-cooled 911s ever made; this may be one of the nicest currently being offered.
1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster