Porsche 356 Speedster to go under the hammer at Race Retro

An original Porsche 356 A Speedster is going under the hammar at Race Retro. The car, which is one of the most desirable Porsche's ever made, will be auction on 23 February at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

Nimble, lightweight and simple, the example for sale is one of an estimated 555 356 A T2 Speedsters built in 1958 - the final and most desirable production run of the model. Presented today in beautifully restored condition and converted to righthand drive, the matching numbers Speedster could fetch between £280,000 and £320,000.

'This is one of the best examples of a genuine Porsche collector’s car that we have had the pleasure to offer at auction,' said Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions.

'Over the past few decades the 356 Speedster has become an automotive icon and is very much sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. These days, replicas are popular with enthusiasts, but there’s nothing like an original, which is what we have here,' he added.

This particular example was supplied new through Porsche dealer Hoffmans of New York finished in Silver with a Red leather interior. Distinctive features of the model include the low, removable windscreen, lightweight body, minimal folding top and side curtains in the place of side windows. The minimalist interior includes a large, two-spoke steering wheel, lightweight racing-style bucket seats, light grey carpet, and leather covered door panels and upper dashboard.

Located at the rear of the car, the 60bhp 1582cc flat-four engine is mated to a four-speed transmission. The T2 models also benefits from numerous upgrades, including an improved transaxle and steering box design.

Having spent most of its life in America, the Speedster was acquired by its current owner, a serious and noted collector, from an auction at Pebble Beach, California, in 2015. It was then imported into the UK and immediately entrusted to JD Classics of Mayfair for a professional conversion to right-hand drive.

Today the car still retains the original engine and gearbox, making it a full matching numbers example. The Porsche Kardex also confirms it was originally supplied in Silver with Red leather, the same combination and specification of the car today.

Having spent the last few years in professional storage with little use, the Speedster now comes to market from a significant collection with all import taxes paid and UK registered. The Porsche is accompanied by a CD showing the full restoration, a copy of the Porsche Kardex, original owner’s manual, tools and jack.

To find out more about the 1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster for auction visit silverstoneauctions.com.