1955 PORSCHE 356 (Pre A) CARRERA SPEEDSTER Chassis No. 81096 Engine No. P-90581 Engine: dual overhead cam, roller bearing, 4 cylinder, twin Solex carburetors, 1587cc., 128bhp at 6,400 rpm; Gearbox: four speed synchromesh; Suspension: independent all round with rear anti-roll bar; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive. The new Porsche Type 356 was launched at the 1949 Geneva Salon, the type number being the 356th project undertaken by the Stuttgart based Porsche design office since its formation in 1930. The new cars found immediate success in all forms of motor sport which reflected in sales, and when the Porsche family returned to their Zuffenhausen factory in 1950, all steel bodywork was introduced. The original 1131cc engine was enlarged to 1286cc and 1488cc during 1951 and its final form of 1582cc in 1955, which was then standardized for the remainder of its production run up to 1965. The first major style innovation since 1950 was the introduction of the 'Speedster' in 1954, primarily aimed at the California market, where in its 1500S form it became a popular race car. 1955 saw a major change in engine specifications with the 1500 being replaced by the 1600, providing Porsche with their first genuine 100mph production car and detail changes to the bodywork were introduced, so the car was known as the 356A. As with all 356 models, standard engine options were available ranging from 60 to 90bhp and in the specialized Carrera models, with twin overhead camshaft engines, the power range went up to almost 130bhp. This finely presented Carrera Speedster was first shipped from the factory on January 4th, 1955 to Hoffman, the U.S. importer in New York. The invoiced selling price of $5,000 included the optional extra sealed-beam headlights and a speedometer in miles. The intermediate history is not known, but in the late '80s the new owner decided to fully restore the car to first class order. The chassis was meticulously restored by specialist, Mark Miletch of Santa Cruz who spent over 2000 hours on a ground-up restoration. Once done, the car went to equally respected specialist, Bill Dubuque at Cook's Upholstery in Redwood City where the interior and top were completed by November '88. The car was then stored until 1994 when the engine was finished and installed - this was undertaken by marque expert, Jim Wellington of Rennsport International in Santa Clara. A fascinating feature of this car, chassis 81096, is the engine, number P90581; it is a correct period and series type 547/1 unit which is believed to be original to the car. Indeed, a Porsche spec sheet from October '55 lists a Carrera engine option for the earlier pre A, 356 Speedsters and a full listing compiled by Olaf Lang of Porsche AG documents the production of just twelve pre A Speedsters with the 547/1 engine - with this car having engine 90541. The assumption is that it is a typographical error in the listing! Shown at the 1994 Hillsborough and Palo Alto Concours, it was placed 1st in class at both shows, achieving a perfect 100 points at Palo Alto. The car is still in show condition today; the deep black paintwork is unmarked and the panelwork is straight. The interior has correct style seats with harness inserts all trimmed in dark red leather, red carpeting and correct instruments with green dials. Lap belts are fitted and it has a light grey steering wheel. The current mileage showing is 32,512. A new black top is fitted with covering tonneau. The car sits on 16" black wheels with Dunlop Gold Seal tires. The Speedster has been enjoyed by all who have either driven it or been a passenger, and it is a lively performer both on the road and round a circuit. Immaculately presented, it will be a fine addition to any sports car collection.
1955 PORSCHE 356 (Pre A) CARRERA SPEEDSTER Chassis No. 81096 Engine No. P-90581 Engine: dual overhead cam, roller bearing, 4 cylinder, twin Solex carburetors, 1587cc., 128bhp at 6,400 rpm; Gearbox: four speed synchromesh; Suspension: independent all round with rear anti-roll bar; Brakes: front and rear drums. Left hand drive. The new Porsche Type 356 was launched at the 1949 Geneva Salon, the type number being the 356th project undertaken by the Stuttgart based Porsche design office since its formation in 1930. The new cars found immediate success in all forms of motor sport which reflected in sales, and when the Porsche family returned to their Zuffenhausen factory in 1950, all steel bodywork was introduced. The original 1131cc engine was enlarged to 1286cc and 1488cc during 1951 and its final form of 1582cc in 1955, which was then standardized for the remainder of its production run up to 1965. The first major style innovation since 1950 was the introduction of the 'Speedster' in 1954, primarily aimed at the California market, where in its 1500S form it became a popular race car. 1955 saw a major change in engine specifications with the 1500 being replaced by the 1600, providing Porsche with their first genuine 100mph production car and detail changes to the bodywork were introduced, so the car was known as the 356A. As with all 356 models, standard engine options were available ranging from 60 to 90bhp and in the specialized Carrera models, with twin overhead camshaft engines, the power range went up to almost 130bhp. This finely presented Carrera Speedster was first shipped from the factory on January 4th, 1955 to Hoffman, the U.S. importer in New York. The invoiced selling price of $5,000 included the optional extra sealed-beam headlights and a speedometer in miles. The intermediate history is not known, but in the late '80s the new owner decided to fully restore the car to first class order. The chassis was meticulously restored by specialist, Mark Miletch of Santa Cruz who spent over 2000 hours on a ground-up restoration. Once done, the car went to equally respected specialist, Bill Dubuque at Cook's Upholstery in Redwood City where the interior and top were completed by November '88. The car was then stored until 1994 when the engine was finished and installed - this was undertaken by marque expert, Jim Wellington of Rennsport International in Santa Clara. A fascinating feature of this car, chassis 81096, is the engine, number P90581; it is a correct period and series type 547/1 unit which is believed to be original to the car. Indeed, a Porsche spec sheet from October '55 lists a Carrera engine option for the earlier pre A, 356 Speedsters and a full listing compiled by Olaf Lang of Porsche AG documents the production of just twelve pre A Speedsters with the 547/1 engine - with this car having engine 90541. The assumption is that it is a typographical error in the listing! Shown at the 1994 Hillsborough and Palo Alto Concours, it was placed 1st in class at both shows, achieving a perfect 100 points at Palo Alto. The car is still in show condition today; the deep black paintwork is unmarked and the panelwork is straight. The interior has correct style seats with harness inserts all trimmed in dark red leather, red carpeting and correct instruments with green dials. Lap belts are fitted and it has a light grey steering wheel. The current mileage showing is 32,512. A new black top is fitted with covering tonneau. The car sits on 16" black wheels with Dunlop Gold Seal tires. The Speedster has been enjoyed by all who have either driven it or been a passenger, and it is a lively performer both on the road and round a circuit. Immaculately presented, it will be a fine addition to any sports car collection.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
