Beschreibung:

1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine 2 Carburetors 60bhp at 4,500rpm 4-Speed Manual Transaxle 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *Fantastic, seldom seen livery *Ultra-desirable T2 Speedster *Long-term, 45-year enthusiast ownership *356 styling at its finest *Accompanied by restoration receipts, tools, books, and COA THE PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER Constant development saw the 356's engine enlarged first to 1.3 and then to 1.5 liters; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. A cabriolet followed hot on the heels of the original 356 Coupe and then in 1952 a trial batch of 15 roadsters was constructed at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who had persuaded Porsche of the potential for a 'cut-price' entry-level model. The roadsters' successful reception in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The Speedster's inspiration is also credited to John von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. Explaining such a car's appeal Neumann once said: 'Guys want to go, on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.' Plus ça change... Instantly recognizable by virtue of its low, wraparound windscreen, its smaller and entirely retractable top, lower door waistline and twin bucket seats (all of which served to emphasize its sporting image), the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model from Porsche intended to compete with the less-expensive British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1.5-liter version of Porsche's horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1.6-liter, 60bhp engine with the introduction of the improved 356A for 1955. Priced at $2,995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant 100mph was possible. Combined with its renowned handling characteristics, the Speedster became an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. Testing the Speedster alongside its Coupe sibling in 1956, Road & Track magazine wrote: "A more comfortable sports car for long, high-speed journeys would be very hard to find and certainly no other car achieves the combination of comfort, performance and fuel economy of the Porsche Continental Speedster or Coupe." Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular. Today the model, arguably the most handsome of the 356 variants, enjoys iconic status. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This sporting 1958 356A T2 1600 Speedster is finished in its original livery; a desirable shade of Silver Metallic (5706) over an unusually rare green leatherette interior. The stunning combination is a must see. According to a copy of the Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity, the new Speedster was built on November 11th, 1957, and optioned with sealed beam headlights, speedometer in miles, and USA bumpers. The consignor purchased the speedster in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1974 from a gentleman who had just relocated from California. At the time of purchase, the car was wearing black paint over a black interior. After a number of years, the consignor decided to treat the car to an extensive restoration. The car was disassembled and stripped before being brought back to its original shade of Silver Metallic. The interior was completely re-trimmed in the original shade of green and a new black top was fitted. The mechanics were also gone through and the engine was disassembled and rebuilt. The engine and chassis tub wear the correct numbers which match the COA however, the number appears as though they may have been re-stamped at some point. A superb example of one of the most iconic and desirable sports cars ever produced, this Speedster is ready to be used and enjoyed by it next owner. The Speedster is offered with its Porsche-issued Certifi