DT: 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1955
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 Speedster
- VIN: 80940
- Mileage: 82,277mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Signal Red
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: New Market, VA 22844
- Lot #: V-0042071-DT
Introduced in 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster was created upon American car importer Max Hoffman’s request for a lightweight and basically equipped version of the 356 Cabriolet. It featured a lower profile windscreen, removable side curtain windows, twin bucket seats, and a smaller rudimentary convertible top. This 1955 example is a Pre-A 356 Speedster that was originally imported to New York via the Hoffman Motor Car Company. The car was reportedly owned by a renowned European technician near Columbus Ohio from at least 1975 until it was sold to the previous owner who completed a restoration about 40 years ago. Still in high school and borrowing money from his father, the previous owner commissioned professional metal repair work followed by a repaint in the car’s original Signal Red color. Autos International refurbished the interior, and Vic Skirmants rebuilt the original 519 manual gearbox. Having been in climate-controlled storage for the past 38 years, this early Speedster is now being offered for auction out of Virginia.
The Speedster’s bodywork is differentiated from the standard Cabriolet by its short-cut windscreen, lower door waistline, smaller retractable convertible top, and a horizontal trim strip spanning the doors and quarter panels. This example was refinished in its original Signal Red paint color during its restoration about 40 years ago after metal repair work was completed including replacements of the rear floor pans and battery box. Equipment includes chrome headlight grilles, a polished driver’s side mirror, a black tonneau cover, early beehive-style taillights, polished dual exhaust pipes, gold rear model lettering, Speedster fender badges, and 15” slotted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. The seller adds that the wheels and tires were replaced in the 1980s, the bumper guards were removed during the restoration, and the paint shows some cosmetic imperfections. The windscreen is also cracked, although a replacement piece is said to accompany the sale.
The Speedster came with twin low-back bucket seats and a unique three-dial instrument cluster mounted below a padded dashboard. It was not equipped with a glove compartment or retractable windows and instead features a pair of removable plastic side curtains. The black interior of this Speedster is said to have been reupholstered by Autos International. Accessories a two-spoke steering wheel, black rubber floor mats, a chrome passenger grab handle, and a body-colored dash fascia with a gold Porsche badge. The seller notes the engine temperature gauge is disconnected and the dial’s lens is loose, although all other gauges and accessories are working properly.
This Speedster is equipped with a replacement 1,600cc flat-four engine sending power to the rear wheels through an original 4-speed 519 manual transaxle. The gearbox was reportedly rebuilt by Vic Skirmants many years ago and an oil change was recently completed along with valve adjustments. The seller adds that the car’s original 6-volt electrical system remains in place.
This sale will include a replacement windscreen, a boot cover, the original side window curtains, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “I have enjoyed the car for over a year. It has driven flawlessly for over 1,500 miles and many different speeds including highway trips at 70-75 mph. It has never burned oil. It leaves a spot from drips when you part it like many vintage Porsches. The ignition key does not fit the door tumblers and is from the 356 A,B,C style, but still Porsche. The heater box cables are not hooked up. I added an original heater controller toggle when I bought the car as it had none. The "Speedster" scripts were intentionally left un-guilded. That is the way the scripts were when the previous owner purchased the car. He did have the "Porsche" and "1600" scripts re-guilded. The script on the dash was redone. The windscreen frame and handles were re-chromed as well as the grilles and bonnet handle. A replacement crest finishes off the front of the car. Note the original Pre-A speedster gas tank was restored. It lacks a hole for a sending unit as there is no gas gauge in a Speedster.”
Comments (40)
Offer in the amount of $210,000
Bid in the amount of $190,000
Bid in the amount of $186,356
Bid in the amount of $185,000
Bid in the amount of $183,356
Bid in the amount of $180,000
Bid in the amount of $175,000
Bid in the amount of $173,560
Bid in the amount of $170,000
Bid in the amount of $165,000
Bid in the amount of $163,560
Bid in the amount of $160,000
Bid in the amount of $155,000
Bid in the amount of $153,250
Bid in the amount of $153,000
Bid in the amount of $150,000
Bid in the amount of $145,250
This is a great driver condition Speedster-i appreciate everyone's interest thus far!
Bid in the amount of $145,000
Bid in the amount of $140,000
Not sure why this Speedster is not drawing the attention they usually get. I have #80882 - just 58 cars earlier on the assembly line! My car is a twin - totally identical (same color and all!) - except that I have the over riders on my bumpers. I also have a 356B engine. The newer engine does make it a lot more fun to drive! Most reliable classic car I have ever owned.
This is an honest Speedster with what looks like a sound underpan. It deserves stronger bids than what is currently showing. I already have one, otherwise my hat would be in this ring.
Every Porsche enthusiast should have a 356 in their garage, and the Speedster is the epitome of 356dom. Very few Speedsters have their original engines because they were bloody well raced; focus on the integrity of the body if you are buying a 356.
Bid in the amount of $130,000
I have a spare wheel with tire and leather belt to include with sale as well!
@johnnyblack hey johnny. thx for asking. The original kardex scan should be in the photo gallery which is where Porsche gets the COA information from. Many a COA have transcription errors. The kardex was the internal warranty claim record filled out when the car was built in October 1955. It will have more information than a modern COA, anyday. Any specific ?'s?
Hi can you share picture of the COA
Best
Thanks for your bid Lorax
@dicksmith2436 Thanks Mr. Smith. I love driving the car, up to and including the 8:30 AM test drives, which I just recorded. The transaxle is original and rebuilt. The engine is a rebuilt replacement 1600cc using an unstamped case/block. Engine 60033 was the original and has yet to surface for sale on any for sale list I know of. Thanks in advance for your interest.
Bid in the amount of $126,356
Beautiful
do the numbers all match?
Thank you three for the recent bids! I plan on a driving video tomorrow as today, we had rain! I have the camera charged!
Bid in the amount of $99,000
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $46,250
Thank you for the 2nd bid
Bid in the amount of $46,000
Love the rock guards!
thank you for the opening bid!
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Hi everyone! The 519 transaxle is original to the car. The engine is an unstamped replacement. The original engine 60033 has been lost to time. I really was torn about listing this Speedster for sale as it makes so many people happy when I drive it, including me. My kids enjoy it, too. I hope it goes to a home where it can continue to be lovingly enjoyed.