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

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.