1957 Porsche 356

Superb and Fast!!! Convertible

2110

Manual

119780992

Clear

Gasoline

Vintage Speedster The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. Introduced in 1948, it was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door car available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its huge motorsports success and popularity. The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than annual superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and convertible forms were produced from 1948 through 1965, when it was replaced by the 911. Cabriolet models (convertibles) were offered from the start, and in the early 1950s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 "Speedster", introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman, the sole US importer of Porsches, 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. Production of the Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957, before replacement in late 1958 by the "Convertible D" model. The speedster replica was born in the 1970’s. One of the leading companies today is the Southern California firm, Vintage Speedsters. Early manufacturers used a shortened VW pan and did not adequately reinforce the body. Vintage Speedsters uses a custom built, jig welded, 2x4 inch 11-gauge steel frame. An original VW pan is restored, shortened and welded to the new steel skeleton. The rigid new structure retains the original VW pan and integrates the largest frame possible. In addition, the steering wheel is offset slightly, just as an original speedster. The car offered here in stunning Porsche Arctic Silver paint with Royal Blue interior, was built and purchased from Vintage Speedsters in 2005 with a standard VW air-cooled flat 4 1600cc engine. That was promptly discarded and a new and highly modified engine was installed: 2110cc Stage 3 tune with unshrouded combustion chambers with 44/37.5mm S+S valves, zero-deck block with 8.0:1 compression, hydraulic cam lifters conversion kit, 200mm lightened flywheel. The engine was completely race-balanced with an 82mm forged crank. Aluminum valve covers were installed with breather box and fittings. A custom 15/8” full-flow exhaust was fitted with the best ancillaries, including Bosch Alternator, Compu-Fire ignition, braided fuel lines, and dual 44 Weber carbs. Then, attention was turned to the rest of the car. Four-wheel disc brakes were installed behind 17-inch wheels with 225/40-ZR17 tires. Hence, the flared wheel arch body. These hang from Koni dampers at all four corners with unprecedented independent rear suspension. To say this was “enthusiast owned” is an understatement. Now, unable to drive the car due to illness, the owner had it built with incredible attention to detail and has been lovingly cared for and maintained since. It now shows a little over 8,000 miles from its inception 7 years ago, and is still near perfect. Paint is excellent, interior shows no signs of wear, and mechanically, the car feels like it was just built. Replica gauges and Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel complete the authentic 1950s look. The Royal Blue soft-top with side screens is in perfect condition, as is the full tonneau cover. A Blaupunkt stereo offers a soundtrack to this phenominal canyon racer. With 180bhp on tap and a little over 2000 lbs, this car truly flies. I can assure you that if you drive it, NO other Speedster will do. To build the car today would cost in excess of $45,000. The car is titled as a 1968 VW, so smog exempt. Clean, clear title in hand.