1958 356A Speedster

One look at a 356 Speedster, and you immediately know why so many replicas exist. They are absolutely gorgeous cars representing an extraordinary era in Porsche's history and offering a driving experience everyone should taste at least once. The Speedster also has quite the American connection, as Porsche’s American importer, Max Hoffman, convinced Porsche that there was a need for an inexpensive, stripped-out, open-top model here in the States. And the rest, as they say, is history.

This 1958 356A Speedster was initially delivered via Max Hoffman’s Motor Company of New York and was finished in Ivory over Black vinyl. The car was repainted Silver in the early ‘80s and received a refresh again about 20 years ago. There is no mention of when the interior was retrimmed, but it looks in very good condition and features fix-backed bucket seats and an RS 60-style leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The original engine was notably missing early and was replaced again in 2016 with another 1.6-liter flat-four out of Germany by Wilhoit Auto Restoration out of Long Beach, CA. During that refurbishment, the car also received a 12-volt electrical system upgrade, overhauled four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and replaced the transmission, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, hoses, and lines. A recent servicing in 2022 included adjusting the carbs and replacing the spark plugs.

Our Spotlight car brought a final bid of $293,000, which was all the money for a non-matching numbers example with an older restoration. Similar cars sell in the $250-300k with a few examples bringing slightly more during Car Week this past August. I’m not sure what number they were looking for, but it had to be close if their reserve was market-correct.

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