Enthusiasts agree: Porsche's 356 Speedster might very well be the most iconic sports car ever built. Made legendary by its innumerable racing successes, its Über-cool image fostered by owners ranging from James Dean to Steve McQueen, the Speedster represents a harmonious, almost organic blend of instantly recognizable design and powerful purpose, even more so perhaps than Shelby's AC Cobra.
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A mere 4,847 Speedsters were manufactured between 1954 and 1959. Half a Century later, demand still far outstrips supply. Nice survivors routinely fetch prices of $125,000.00 or more, which led to the advent of a cottage industry making VW-powered replicas that can be had for a fifth of that amount.
This fine autombile is not one of those!
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The magnificent Speedster featured here, VIN *1142304389* was conceived by mating genuine Porsche 356 parts, including a 75-hp 1600 Super engine, to an Intermeccanica body, quite desirable and expensive in its own right, creating a street machine that combines the Speedster's Million-Dollar looks with genuine Porsche power!
Let's begin our inspection now.
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First, we take a peek at the trunk, where the 12 Volt battery rests underneath a wooden partition. Everything is clean, clean, clean!
Also, note the original beehive turn signal lenses and the genuine MARCHAL headlights with rock grilles, a popular accessory from the 1950s, inspired by road races like the infamous Carrera Panamericana.
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Displaying the beloved profile, the Intermeccanica body remains in superb condition, the Raven Black finish intact, with just the right amount of patina to look authentic. There are no stress cracks or chips to report. Brightwork is in excellent condition throughout.
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What really sets this Speedster apart from a plain replica is the authentic Speedster jewelry, shown from left to right:
- Porsche Club of America and Porsche 356 Registry window decals
- Reutter Coachwork badge
- Rare, enameled "Nürburgring" racing badge
- Genuine "Porsche - 100,000 Kilometer" plaque
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It's a Porsche! Cockpit bristles with originality. Let's check out all the fine details below.
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Details:
- Porsche's umbrella-type emergency brake lever below the dash.
- Genuine, leather covered Porsche 356 steering wheel and horn button.
- Restored VDO Porsche 356 gauges, knobs, and switches--NOT replicas!
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The famous "Speedster seats," correctly upholstered in tan vinyl with carpet backing.
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More details:
- Marbelized bakelite Maltese Cross shift knob.
- Functional heater knob on transmission tunnel--this car features the European heater system.
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Rear seat cushion, for occasional passenger transport or extra luggage.
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Ready for the test drive?
Sure, but let's take a look at two more areas first, engine compartment and undercarriage.
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This is what a real Speedster should look like!
The valuable Porsche flat four motor, No. *732 790* is of 1963 vintage and was rebuilt a few years ago; its mechanical needs have always been taken care of at SCHNEIDER AUTOHAUS in Santa Barbara, California. It's in basically stock condition and, with 75 healthy horses on tap, possesses plenty of power to accommodate a sporting driving style. Considering that you can cruise all day long at 90mph, you will agree that the Speedster's horses are being put to work more effectively than in any automobile available today.
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Look, no oil leaks or soot to be found underneath; signs of a healthy, low-mileage engine.
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Extremely healthy undercarriage confirms California heritage; there is no rust, nor are there any rust repairs to be found.
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Wednesday, February 25, when we took all of these pictures, was another lovely winter day here in San Buenaventura. The 356 starts instantly, idles smoothly, runs strongly. It drives, handles, steers, and stops faultlessly. There are no untoward noises or bad habits, such as smoking or (oil) drinking.
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Back in the '50s, the Speedster was one of the few cars that could be taken straight from the dealer's showroom to the race track--and be competitive! Its racing career spanned decades and included wins at virtually every major track in the country, from Laguna Seca in the West to Watkins Glen in the East. Driving this car today enables you to relive these moments to the fullest. The Speedster can rightfully be called the ultimate driving machine!
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Equipped with fully Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) and a 4-speed transaxle that is as fast to shift as it is smooth, we headed to Hwy 33, past Ojai and really let fly on the twisty mountain roads. Due to its low gravitational center, the Speedster takes corners extremely fast and stable. Where a Porsche 911 makes you want to lift, the Speedster makes you smile! Everybody who sees the car zoom by returns this smile, often with a wave--this friendly response makes owning and driving the Speedster all the more enjoyable.
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Returning home, we've fallen in love with this Porsche-powered toy; we can't wipe a big, satisfied smile--the one that comes only after a fun adventure--off our face.
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Naturally, the traditional, full tonneau cover is included, protecting the Speedster's interior from harmful sun rays and prying eyes (and hands).
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When it's cold outside, keep the passenger side zipped-up if riding single, turn on the heater, and you have nothing to fear, no even fear itself.
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In case of a downpour, a tan vinyl low bow top can be erected within 2 minutes to provide weather protection.
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There's also a set of side curtains, still protected by cardboard, that have never been installed. Just like back in the day!
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Titled in California as a 1963 Porsche, this Speedster is smog exempt and qualifies for classic car insurance as well as California Y.O.M. black-and-yellow license plates, a shown, starting July 1st.
This Porsche-powered Speedster is a very special automobile; driving it, you'll instantly become a member of a very exclusive club.
Addendum:
We sold this unique Speedster in March 2009.
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