Body, Trim and Paint

Very rare to see on any Porsche 356, this Speedster (chassis number 84365) retains it’s original floor pans, longitudinal and battery box. All body panels are original with excellent gaps. The body is all original metal with no clips. Originally sold in California, then sold to it's next owner in 1966. We have verified with this owner that the Speedster was only driven 2000 miles from 1966 to 1996. In 1996, the car was completely stripped to bare metal and restored. The restoration was performed by an professional 356 restoration shop in Utah and was done to a very high standard. The upper body and entire underside is free of rust. The body is also free of dents or dings and all panel gaps are excellent. Since it's full restoration in 1996, this Speedster has been driven less than 500 miles. That's a confirmed total of less than 2500 miles driven between 1966 and 2009!

All the trim parts are in excellent condition. The windshield is clear with no rock chips or wiper scrapes. Front and rear light lenses show no cracks. All rubber weatherstripping is in excellent condition. All chrome and polished aluminum parts have excellent shine. All switch knobs are the original ivory knobs and have been restored. The high bow top frame has been newly restored and a brand new canvas top has just been professionally installed.

The original color of this Speedster was the very rare Black (color code 701). Only 141 of the 4,145 produced Speedsters were painted Black at the factory. The current White paint, the most popular of all original Speedster colors, remains in excellent condition.

 WALKAROUND VIDEO

Interior

The full leather interior is in excellent condition. A high grade leather was used, during the restoration of the interior. This Speedster was factory ordered with the comfortable Coupe seats. These were a popular option in 1958, as by this year many customers preferred them over the harder Speedster seats. The instruments, door handles and switches are excellent throughout the interior.  The rare original ivory switch knobs and shift knob were retained and restored. The original 400mm diameter Speedster steering wheel is also present and fully restored.

 

Electricals

Headlights (low and high beams), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lights, horn and wipers are functional. The starter spins fine and the generator charges fine. Speedometer, tachometer, oil temp and fuel gauges are fully functional. The odometer is functional and currently reads 462 miles, which is the number of miles driven since the restoration in 1996. The battery is in excellent condition.

 

Engine and Transmission

The engine, though not the original, is a vintage correct 1958 1600 Normal (number 70324) and is newly rebuilt with ATS big bore kit and custom grind Elgin cam. The engine runs excellent with approximately 150 miles accrued since it's full rebuild. The engine was dyno'ed after the rebuild and the measured results were 71.62 HP @ 4450rpms, 93.53ft-lbs @ 3102rpms. It starts easily, idles perfect and accelerates smoothly. The rebuild is fully documented and was performed by The Stable in San Francisco, CA, an expert Porsche 356 and 911 repair shop.

The original BBAB geared 644 transmission (number 17796) was fully rebuilt during the restoration and shifts well.

 ENGINE RUNNING VIDEO

Suspension, Wheels, Tires and Brakes

All suspension parts were rebuilt or replaced during the restoration. The car tracks straight, both on and off the brakes, and the chassis has that correct solid feel that you’d expect from such an original 356.  Being a 1958 T2 series, this Speedster is also equipped with the improved ZF steering box.

The correct '58 dated original KPZ steel wheels are in excellent restored condition. Each wheel was professionally stripped and painted in the correct color. The baby moon hubcaps are in excellent condition.

Dunlop SP 165/60HR-15 sized tires are installed. All tires show no cracks and have excellent tread.

The brake system of this Speedster functions the best of any 356A we've driven. All brake components are new or restored originals, such as the original metal brake fluid canister. The brake fluid has been recently flushed and the emergency brake is correctly adjusted to operate smoothly and hold tight. 

 TEST DRIVE VIDEO

Extra Parts and Documentation

The following extra parts are included: Restored original Bilstein jack, spare wheel, half and full tonneau covers and side curtains.

Documentation includes the Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche, original owner's manual, detailed receipts for the recent engine rebuild and several restoration photos.