1957 Porsche 356 A 1600 Super Speedster | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Fully restored in 2017
• Documented history from new
  

Among the most eloquent statements of Porsche’s early design and engineering philosophy, the 356 Speedster endures as a symbol of purposeful minimalism and motorsport-led intent. Of all iterations, the 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster occupies a particularly revered position, combining the purity of the original Speedster concept with the technical maturity introduced by the 356 A series.

Developed at the request of the American importer, the Speedster was conceived as a lightweight, uncompromising sportscar, its character defined by a sharply raked, low-cut windscreen, elemental interior appointments, and a resolute absence of superfluity. Every detail was subordinate to the driving experience, resulting in a car whose clarity of purpose remains striking even by contemporary standards.

The transition to the 356 A brought meaningful engineering advances, including refinements to suspension geometry, braking performance, and overall structural integrity, enhancing both road manners and dynamic balance. In Speedster form, these improvements were allied to reduced mass and compact proportions, producing a uniquely tactile and immersive driving experience that has come to define the golden era of post-war sportscars.

By 1957, Speedster production was inherently limited and survival rates modest, ensuring that authentic examples are now both rare and highly coveted. Today, the 356 A Speedster is universally regarded as one of the most important road-going Porsches ever produced, its appeal spanning concours presentation, historic competition, and discerning road use. A cornerstone model within the marque’s history, the 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster represents not only a high point of early Porsche design, but an enduring benchmark by which driver-focused sportscars continue to be judged.

This stunning 356 A Speedster was first registered in 1957 which is confirmed by the Certificate of Authenticity supplied by Porsche. This car was purchased by our vendor and imported from the U.S in 2016, the car had been subject to restoration in the late 90’s and came with documented history from new.

Upon arrival and registration in the UK, the car underwent a further significant restoration which was completed in 2017 prior to our vendor taking ownership, this included a new bare metal respray which was finished to a very high standard with documents in the history file detailing the more recent works.

A car that would grace any collection and finished in iconic metallic Silver with black leather trim, this example has been recently serviced ready for this summer’s calendar and should be considered a turnkey example. During its restoration in 2017 a new hood, and trim was fitted and upon inspection the car is as good underneath as it is on top, a real treat for early Porsche enthusiasts.

The cars history file is extensive with documented ownership from new, details of maintenance, and earlier restoration work combined with the more recent program. This includes an invoice for more than £22,000 in 2022 for further works and maintenance. The car is housed in a heated dehumidified garage and naturally only sees the best of the British weather and who can blame our vendor, top down and enjoying such a fabulous car with the sun out ticks many a bucket lists. Viewing is certainly recommended for this showpiece Porsche. Consigned by Mathew Priddy