Porsche 356 Speedster for sale

This exceptional 1956 356 Speedster is left hand drive and has a 4-speed manual gearbox and a 1.6 litre flat four engine that develops 60 bhp.

The Speedster was introduced in late 1954 after importer Max Hoffman advised Porsche that a 'stripped down' open-topped version of the 356 would appeal to the American market. It proved an immediate hit, especially in Southern California where it became the lightweight race car of choice - and one that could be driven home afterwards.

The limited production only continued until 1958, when it was replaced by the convertible 356 D. Seen by many as the iconic 1950's sports car, it is without question the most desirable 356.

This beautifully example is presented in Signal Red with black leather sport seats. It features 15" steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, a black hood, side screens, a tonneau cover and comes complete with the spare wheel, tool kit & jack. It is a 'matching numbers' car that has undergone a full rotisserie restoration.

Manufactured on October 15th 1956 and one of 850 Speedsters sold in the US that year, it was sold by Porsche Import Cars in Chicago to a wealthy buyer as a gift for his son.

The car was returned to the same Porsche dealership for service and repair over the years. In 1967 the factory Porsche mechanic in charge of working on Carrera four-cam race cars bought the car for his own personal use.

He undertook the unhurried and meticulous restoration between 2000 and 2010, and continued to own the car until we purchased it in 2012.

The detailed provenance and proven expertise of the restorer ensures that this car is one of the best Speedsters in the world today.

A stunning example.