When people talk about Porsche they mostly talk about 911 – the Iconic model that has stood the test of time for over 50 years.

But for collectors of classic cars- there is another Icon that was born long before the 911: The 356. Specifically the 356 Speedster.

Introduced by Porsche in the 1950s, the Speedster  was really Porsches answer  for a ‘low cost automobile’ for the masses. Like many models at the time, it was aimed at the American market. It is estimated that of the 76′ooo total 356 models, only about 4100 were Porsche speedsters. Exclusive- certainly not- but the Speedster was a tremendous success for Porsche.

Just like not all vintage Rolex are alike, neither are all 356 speedsters. Some are more desirable than others.

Generally speaking the early models or so called ‘Pre A 356′ models are more desirable than the later models. At the top of the pyramid and the most exclusive is the Carrera version which carries the legendary 4 cam ‘Fuhrman’ engine. But just below that comes the ‘Super’ speedster. The ‘super’ version had more horsepower (75 vs the standard 60) and the powerful ‘type 528 engine’ for the 1500 Super version.

It is estimated only 16% of all speedsters have the super type engine*. The car above is a Porsche 356 Super Speedster 1500 from 1955, so its one of earliest Speedsters available.

What does that mean? Well collectors like purity and the early speedsters often did not have the steel bumpers that later speedsters tended to have. The instrument panel was simple and plain, just three non – split panels indicating, speed, RPM and oil temperature. Need to know if you tank is empty? Well you will have to do it the old-fashioned way and take a wooden stick (comes with the car at no extra cost) and measure the fuel left in your tank (we find this rather charming).

Another great asset of this car are the original Rudge wheels (they are original from the time, stamped 1957) but did not come originally with the car. These wheels alone could probably buy a new Golf VW today. The only potential negative: Through our research so far (we are waiting for the Kardex) we cannot confirm that the engine is indeed the original engine of the car when it left the factory in 1955 but it does appear to be the ‘correct type’.

What is the price for such an early and desirable Speedster. It is $400-500′ooo. 

*Source: Gooding and Company

(Main picture credit: Gooding & Co)

by Edmond Saran