1958 Porsche 356A Speedster with chrome Rudge wheels

VIN 84371 was originally finished in classic Black with Red interior from the factory! Out of 4,145 Speedsters produced only 141 were special ordered in Black! It is also the first T2 Speedster built in 1958, only 23 were ordered in Black, out of only 551!

One owner until 2014 with the original sales invoice, financing paperwork and original title issued in 1960.

European Collectibles did a full concour restoration with no expense spared on this 1958 Speedster over a 20-month period from 2014 to 2016. During the restoration, this 356 was completely disassembled so that every aspect could be properly addressed. The 356 was stripped down to the bare tub and it had minimal rust. The body and panels are original and still retain their matching numbers. All panels were pre-fit with bumpers, windshield frame and top to ensure the absolute best result. The complete driveline was rebuilt, engine, transmission, suspension, braking system, new wire harness, and fuel system. All the chrome was triple plated, all the components are OEM or NOS. Absolutely superb in every way, this 356A Speedster is ready for immediate road or concour use. Complete with tools, books, side curtains, boot cover, Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche confirming all matching numbers & photo documentation of the restoration. Truly one of the best 1958 Speedsters that you will find with no issues.

The T2 356A features all of the subtle improvements and updated details fitted to the T2 Speedster over the brief four-year production run. 1600cc normal 60 horsepower engine, 644 manual 4-speed transmission, ZF steering box, relocated shifter, high bow soft top, and four-wheel drum brakes.

60 horsepower, 1,582cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with dual Zenith 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

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.”

The Speedster holds a special place in Porsche history, not only as a sales success but also as an icon of minimalist automotive design. It remains a beloved vehicle today, and a well-restored and properly maintained Speedster, such as this example, is on the wish list of nearly every car enthusiast the world over. This status has also contributed to a meteoric rise in desirability for these cars, as they lead the charge for all 356s and 911s that are gaining momentum in the marketplace. Simply put, no important collection would be complete without a proper Speedster, as it is an equal in automotive design and history as the California Spider and 300 SL, but it further benefits from practicality and ease of use, which makes it as perfect for running errands as handling twisty mountain roads. Motoring enthusiasts new to the classic car world are well served to acquire a “blue chip” Porsche such as this.