- Desirable coachbuilt bodywork by the German Karosseriewerk, Reutter
- Matching-numbers chassis and engine confirmed by accompanying Kardex document
- Subject to restoration work exceeding €132,000 between 2016 and 2020
To this day, some 70 years after the New York-based Max Hoffman began importing luxury European cars into the United States, the classic car dealer’s powers of persuasion can still be felt. Hoffman can take credit for convincing manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche to think big for the fruitful North American market. Customers in fashionable US locales craved exciting sports car styling, leading to the creation of the 507 Roadster, 300 SL in both Gullwing and Roadster guise, and Porsche 356 Speedster.
Porsche’s car was born out of Hoffman’s suggestion that drivers in the US would be receptive to a pared-back, lower-cost version of the trendy 356 Cabriolet. The Speedster was introduced in late-1954, easily identifiable by its rakish windscreen and minimalistic folding roof mechanism that contributed to the car’s low profile. The model offered customers a unique take on Porsche’s now-iconic 356, and proved a hit in warmer climes—in particular its US target market.
This example, chassis 81192, was bodied by the Stuttgart-based karosserie, Reutter. According to its accompanying factory Kardex document, the Porsche was despatched from the factory on 2 January 1956, destined for Hoffman’s New York dealership. While this car’s chassis number sequence falls within “Pre-A” Speedster models made in 1955, which were fitted with a 1500 “546-2”-type powertrain, its engine number is that of a “616-1”-type Speedster 1600 from the “356 A” generation. Both chassis and engine numbers match its Kardex sheet, however, and it is likely that the Porsche was equipped with the engine of the following series as a car built during the “Pre-A” and “356 A” crossover phase.
Acquired by its Netherlands-based consigning owner in 2015, via Kobus Tuning in Lichtenvoorde, the seller instructed the same workshop to commence a full restoration programme. Between 2016 to 2020, the Porsche was stripped back and rebuilt, with invoices on file exceeding €132,000. Over €100,000 was spent with Kobus Tuning, while bills from other workshops exceed €32,000 for specialist paintwork services. The car is offered for sale with a black tonneau cover and leather toolkit.
Presented today in classic white over a black leather interior with black soft-top hood, this 356 is a fine example of Porsche’s iconic Speedster.
