Lot 67
1955 Porsche 356 Speedster
Estimate:
$200,000 - $250,000
Sold for:
$258,500
Timed Auction
Geared Online | August 2020
Category
Vehicles
Description
*Reserve Met | Lot is in the Market*
Chassis: 80753
Engine: 820086
Car Highlights
Rare Pre-A Speedster with Just Three Owners Since 1965
Recently Discovered Black Plate, Southern California Car
Delivered New to Hoffman Motors Finished in White over Black
Features Roll Bar, Louvered Deck Lid, and Later 1600 Engine
Offered with Tool Kit, Extensive Documentation, and Copy of Porsche Kardex
The Porsche presented here is a recently discovered garage-find example of the most iconic 356 model – the Speedster.
According to the Porsche Kardex, this rare Pre-A Speedster was completed on July 29, 1955, finished in white and bound for the US, where it was retailed by official US distributor Hoffman Motors in New York. Remarkably, this car has resided in Southern California for over 50 years, as evidenced by its classic black plates and file of original records dating back to 1965.
The first known owner, Robert Holm of Long Beach, kept detailed records throughout his ownership and had well-known Porsche specialists (including Chick Iverson and Vasek Polak) carry out maintenance through the late 1960s. The next owner, Les Gunnarson, a regional PCA president, bought the Speedster around 1969, enjoyed it for many years as his “go-to” driver, and retained it until his recent passing, whereupon it was sold to the current owner. Like many Speedsters, the car’s original 1500 engine was replaced with a more powerful unit (in this case, the engine is from a 356 SC) and it also features several charming period accessories, including a louvered deck lid, roll bar, and headlight grilles.
Parked in static storage since the 1990s and presented today in as-found condition, this Pre-A Speedster is a perfect candidate for a complete concours-quality restoration, outlaw build, or a mechanical re-commissioning, readying it for use in the numerous rallies and Porsche events for which it is eligible.
*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1956. Please also note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to road use.
Chassis: 80753
Engine: 820086
Car Highlights
Rare Pre-A Speedster with Just Three Owners Since 1965
Recently Discovered Black Plate, Southern California Car
Delivered New to Hoffman Motors Finished in White over Black
Features Roll Bar, Louvered Deck Lid, and Later 1600 Engine
Offered with Tool Kit, Extensive Documentation, and Copy of Porsche Kardex
The Porsche presented here is a recently discovered garage-find example of the most iconic 356 model – the Speedster.
According to the Porsche Kardex, this rare Pre-A Speedster was completed on July 29, 1955, finished in white and bound for the US, where it was retailed by official US distributor Hoffman Motors in New York. Remarkably, this car has resided in Southern California for over 50 years, as evidenced by its classic black plates and file of original records dating back to 1965.
The first known owner, Robert Holm of Long Beach, kept detailed records throughout his ownership and had well-known Porsche specialists (including Chick Iverson and Vasek Polak) carry out maintenance through the late 1960s. The next owner, Les Gunnarson, a regional PCA president, bought the Speedster around 1969, enjoyed it for many years as his “go-to” driver, and retained it until his recent passing, whereupon it was sold to the current owner. Like many Speedsters, the car’s original 1500 engine was replaced with a more powerful unit (in this case, the engine is from a 356 SC) and it also features several charming period accessories, including a louvered deck lid, roll bar, and headlight grilles.
Parked in static storage since the 1990s and presented today in as-found condition, this Pre-A Speedster is a perfect candidate for a complete concours-quality restoration, outlaw build, or a mechanical re-commissioning, readying it for use in the numerous rallies and Porsche events for which it is eligible.
*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1956. Please also note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to road use.
