Description
1956 Porsche 356A Speedster – Meticulously Restored & Upgraded
This 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster, originally delivered to the U.S. via Hoffman Motor Company, has undergone extensive refurbishment, making it a stunning representation of Porsche’s legendary open-top sports car. Acquired by the seller in 2021, the vehicle received a complete repaint and an overhaul of its replacement 1,720cc flat-four engine, ensuring top-tier performance and presentation. It is now finished in a striking black over red leather upholstery and comes equipped with a four-speed manual transaxle, reproduction Rudge center-lock wheels, four-wheel drum brakes, a 12-volt electrical system, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
This 356A Speedster is being offered with a copy of its Kardex, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a spare steering wheel, maintenance records from current ownership, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
Exterior
Originally finished in white, the Reutter-built body was stripped to bare metal and repainted in black by Kundensport in Oxnard, California, in 2022. The exterior includes:
- Body-color bumpers with chrome overriders
- Headlight stone guards
- Quadruple beehive taillights
- Gold 1600 Super badging
- Black convertible top with matching boot cover
Wheels & Suspension
- Silver-painted reproduction Rudge wheels secured by bright two-eared knock-offs
- 175/70 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires
- Four-wheel drum brakes
- Koni shocks for enhanced ride quality
- Matching spare secured in the front trunk
Interior
Refurbished in the 2000s, the cabin boasts red leather upholstery over fixed-back bucket seats with matching door panels and dashboard trim. Additional features include:
- Oatmeal square-weave carpeting
- Black rubber floor mats
- Red Simpson two-point harnesses
- Riveted wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Green-letter VDO instrumentation, including a 6k-rpm tachometer, 120-mph speedometer, and combination gauge for oil pressure and oil temperature
- Five-digit odometer showing 3,600 miles (approx. 600 added under current ownership; total mileage unknown)
Engine & Mechanical Details
The replacement Type 616/2 flat-four, originally from a 1600S, was upgraded with 1,720cc big bore pistons and cylinders by Marcovicci Wenz Engineering in New York. Further overhaul work was completed in March 2024 by Competition Engineering in California, including:
- Magnafluxed and micropolished crankshaft
- Reconditioned connecting rods and valve lifters
- New bearings, camshaft, and valves
- Rebuilt carburetors
- Replacement oil cooler
- 12-volt electrical system conversion
- Four-speed manual transaxle, reportedly refurbished during the 2000s restoration
Key Information
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 356A 1600S Speedster |
| Year | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Engine Size | 1,720cc Flat-Four |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Mileage | 3,600 (Total mileage unknown) |
| Color | Black (originally white) |
| Interior | Red leather |
| Brakes | Four-wheel drum |
| Suspension | Koni shocks |
| No. of Owners | 3 |
| Title | Clean California |
This 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster presents a rare opportunity to acquire a meticulously restored and highly refined example of Porsche’s iconic roadster. With tasteful upgrades, a high-quality repaint, and a fully overhauled drivetrain, it is poised to deliver an authentic vintage driving experience with modern reliability.
