1956 Porsche 356A T1 Speedster

• VIN 82XXX
• Engine No. 70454
• Transmission No. 64689
• Completed on July 13, 1956
• One of 1,155 356A Speedsters produced from September 1955 – August 1957

This 356A T1 Speedster with beehive taillights was completed on July 13, 1956, and was delivered by Hoffman Motors in New York. Originally finished in Red over Black leatherette upholstery according to the Porsche Kardex. Optional equipment from the factory included Sealed Beam Headlights and Speedometer in Miles.

Beautifully presented in Silver Metallic (5606) over Red leatherette upholstery. The paintwork is in superb condition and is complemented by the brightwork and aluminum trim. The interior has been completely reupholstered and presents like new with correct German materials, a factory VDM steering wheel, and VDO instrumentation. The undercarriage was stripped to bare metal, undercoated with German Wurth undershoot and the suspension has been detailed. The 4 ½” x 15” chrome wheels are in excellent condition with baby moon hubcaps fitted to Sprint Classic Vredestein 165 HR15 tires.

Mechanically powered by a period-correct 1600cc flat-four engine (type 616/36 case) with all correct linkage, fuel pump, fan shroud, and duel Solex 32 PBIC carburetors. This Speedster runs phenomenal with plenty of power and is paired to a smooth shifting manual 4-speed 741 transmission with four wheels drum brakes. The electrical system has been upgraded from 6 volts to 12 volts. Complete with spare wheel, side curtains, boot cover, and Porsche Kardex. An excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored Speedster that is finished in a very desirable color combination.

History
The Speedster was simple, and its light weight made it more fun to drive than the cabriolet. The windshield was cut down and the top curved, and an aluminum side spear made the car appear even lower. Tiny side screens replaced roll-up windows, and the top was minimal. The dashboard was made lighter with revised gauges, a padded lip, and no glove box. Seats were lower and non-reclining. The Speedster literally took off in the U.S., finding over 4,144 enthusiastic buyers between 1954 and 1958. The venerable Speedster was a fixture at American tracks in the 1950s, driven by anybody who was anybody, from importer John Von Neumann to future F1 world champion Dan Gurney and meteoric movie star James Dean. Skip Hudson was black-flagged when lying 3rd at the 1955 Torrey Pines races and had to explain to the judges that he didn't have to slow down for the corners because he could four-wheel drift around them.