1958 Porsche 356A Speedster
- Engine Size
- 1600 cc
- Transmission Type
- 4 Speed Manual
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Miles
- 84,755
- Vin
- 84169
- Stock
- Po3551
1958 Porsche 356A T2 Speedster
VIN 84169 was completed November 26, 1957 for 1958-year model and imported by Max Hoffman of Hoffman Auto Showroom in New York City. Speedster 84169 was original delivered in Ivory (Code 5704) with Red interior (Code A) from Porsche. Options were sealed beam headlights, coupe seats and USA bumpers. This is a straight, rust free Speedster with good panel fit. The floor pans and longitunials have been replaced and installed correctly. The 644 manual 4-speed transmission is original (17260) with a correct 1958 series 1600cc engine (68543). This Speedster has been stored for the past 25 years and is an excellent project that is ready for a complete concours restoration. Rare to find a 1958 T-2 restoration project!
Specifications
60 horse power, 1,582 cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with dual Solex carburetors, four-speed manual 644 transmission, independent front suspension with laminated torsion bars, parallel trailing arms, and tubular shock absorbers, independent rear swing axles with torsion bars and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in.
History
One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 "Speedster", introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman advised the company that a lower-cost, somewhat spartan open-top version could sell well in the American market. With its low, raked windscreen (which could be removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California.
Porsche has the Speedster to thank for their success in the United States. Without this little convertible, it could be argued that Porsche sales might not have ever taken off in the fiercely competitive U.S. market. The car's low-slung and focused looks appealed to sports car enthusiasts and its price of just under $3,000 definitely helped to get Speedsters off the showroom floors and out onto the open road. Boasting few creature comforts but excellent driving characteristics, it helped cement Porsche's reputation in the United States and earned it a hugely desirable portion of the sports car market at a time when the motto of most British marques was “export or die.”
Engine
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine Size
- 1600 cc
- Fuel Specification
- —
Body
- Body Color
- White
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Doors
- 2
- Paint Type
- —
Basic
- Year
- 1958
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- 356A Speedster
- Miles
- 84,755
Interior
- Interior Color
- Red
- Secondary Interior Color
- —
- Seating Type
- —
- Seat Material
- —
- Shifter Type
- —
- Center Console
- No