1955 Porsche 356

Speedster -

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

Hot Summer Fun: 1955 Porsche Speedster Porsche's 356 Speedster might very well be the most iconic sports car ever built. Made legendary by its innumerable racing successes, its Über-cool image fostered by owners ranging from James Dean to Steve McQueen, the Speedster represents a harmonious, almost organic blend of instantly recognizable design and powerful purpose, even more so perhaps than Shelby's AC Cobra. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A mere 4,230 Speedsters were manufactured between 1954 and 1959. Nice survivors routinely fetch sums of $175,000.00 or more, which led to the advent of a cottage industry making VW-powered replicas that can be had for a mere fraction of that amount. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The fabulous Speedster offered here has an interesting history. Back in 2000, we sold it to a Gentleman from Simi Valley, California. A couple of years ago, he discovered our sleepy beach town of San Buenaventura and relocated, now living less than a mile away from our Showroom. Who could be better suited than Californiaclassix to find a new caretaker for his beloved Porsche? The car was factory-built around 1986 by FIBERFAB INTERNATIONAL in Minneapolis, Minnesota and steadily refined by two caring owners. A pure sunny-day toy, the Speedster was driven a mere 16,312 miles during the past 25 years. A very desirable trait that sets this Speedster apart from most of its brethren: it is officially titled as a 1955 Porsche and therefore smog exempt in all 50 States, eligible for very affordable "agreed value" classic car insurance, and can legally be driven bearing an authentic 1955 year of manufacture license plate! Note valuable, early AAA chrome license plate frame with enamelled badge, gold "1600 Super" emblem. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The Speedster is accompanied by a plethora of documents, among them a stack of old registrations, an assembly manual, the owner's manual for the JENSEN CD310 stereo, and exactly 20 maintenance receipts, totalling $3,800.42. Yes, the Speedster is a truly reliable vehicle; it has never needed any work beyond routine maintenance and replacement of the usual wear items. Let's now begin our inspection of the car, starting up front, with the trunk. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Clean trunk is large enough for a weekend's worth of luggage. Fuel tank and battery are also located here; note the practical kill switch. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Although as open a car as anyone could wish for, this Speedster can be driven even in the rain and cold, thanks to the full weather equipment package, consisting of a folding convertible top and removeable side curtains, a concept dating back to early British Roadsters (and emulated by the 1994 Dodge Viper)! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Barely used, the top is still in like new condition. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Inverted bathtub shape is a classic--and very aerodynamic--sports car design. Factory original gelcoat finish developed a mild yet lovely patina; it remains very glossy. There are no scrapes, bubbles, or cracks. Many authentic details add to the vintage look, among them chromed, slotted steel wheels topped by baby moon hub caps, Speedster side trim, alloy rocker decos, and dual "aero" mirrors. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Speedster boasts of the most comfortable interior of all 1950s sports cars. There's enough room for a big and tall pilot and a long legged flight attendant! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dash has been fitted with genuine Porsche instruments, and they all work. Clock and oil pressure gauge are welcome additions. Hidden from view below the dash: a functional Stereo system with CD player. There's also a working alarm and a power port. "Speedster" script, genuine "Meisterschaften" badge, and fantastic NARDI "Anni" wood-and-alloy steering wheel with special, Porsche-crested horn button complete the picture. What a treat! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The famous Speedster bucket seats look super cool. Driver's seat shows a negligible separation of the doeskin leatherette material in the top left corner. Genuine coco mats add to the Fifties ambiance. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Amazingly, there's space for small children in the back, or a four-legged friend who likes to join you on joy rides. Practical tonneau can be zipped up to protect the interior and its contents from prying eyes and surprise rain showers. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Note correct shine-up license plate light, reflectors below taillights, and alloy bumper guards. Collection of Porsche-related badges on engine grille looks fantastic! Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the engine compartment and undercarriage first. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Toothbrush-clean engine bay houses the 1600cc, flat-four boxer motor, which is in basically stock condition and, with about 60 healthy horses on tap, possesses plenty of power to accommodate a sporting driving style. Considering that you can cruise all day long at 85mph, you will agree that these horses have been put to work more effectively than in any automobile available today. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This low-mileage engine doesn't need diapers: not a drop of oil escapes the tight-as-a-clamshell case! Did you say "clean?" Unlike many others, this Speedster has retained a working heater system, very convenient during those chilly evening cruises along the Pacific coast! Undercarriage is as clean as remainder of car, can be shown with pride. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Virtually all Speedster replicas and recreations are based on a shortened VW platform chassis. This one's 100% healthy, without even a speck of rust. A California car since new, it most likely has never been driven on wet pavement. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Monday, June 13 was another June-gloomy day here in Ventura, nice enough to take the Speedster out for a drive around the neighborhood and take some snapshots along the way. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The faux 356 starts instantly, idles smoothly, runs strongly. It drives, handles, steers, and stops faultlessly. There are no untoward noises or bad habits, such as smoking or (oil) drinking. High and low beams, turn signals, stop lights, horn, and wipers all work. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Equipped with fully Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) and a 4-speed transaxle that is as fast to shift as it is smooth, we headed North on Hwy 101 to Hwy 33 toward Ojai and really let fly. Due to its light weight (about 1,700lbs) and low center of gravity, the Speedster is able to take corners flat, fast, and stable. Where a Porsche 911 makes you want to lift, the Speedster makes you smile! Everybody who sees the car zoom by returns this smile, often with a wave--this friendly response makes owning and driving the Speedster all the more enjoyable. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Back in the '50s, the Speedster was one of the few cars that could be taken straight from the dealer's showroom to the race track--and be competitive! Its racing career spanned decades and included wins at virtually every major track in the country, from Laguna Seca in the West to Watkins Glen in the East. Driving this car today enables you to relive these glorious times to the fullest. The Speedster can rightfully be called the Ultimate Driving Machine! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The demand for Speedsters will always exceed the supply. Here is a prime example, finished in gorgeous Guards Red, pampered, and ready to be enjoyed. Summer's here; let's put on a pair of stringback gloves, don a sweater and a cap, jump into our Speedster, and go for a little drive. 10 miles or 1,000, to the neighborhood Starbucks or the Grand Canyon, this car is ready for fun. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2011 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.