1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster by Karosseriewerk Reutter. Photo Ronnie Renaldi ©2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions

Chassis No. 83301. Engine No. 65352. Estimate: $190,000-$240,000 US

70 bhp (SAE), 60 bhp (DIN), 1,582 cc air-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, dual carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox in rear transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7"

• Matching numbers; recently freshened 
• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

Porsche’s 356 Speedster revolutionized the sports car concept during the late-1950s. Built to a more affordable price than the more luxurious 356 Cabriolet, at the insistence of Max Hoffman, Porsche’s larger-than-life U.S. importer, the Speedster was priced at $2,995 and offered lightweight bucket seats, a small top, and side curtains—all the trappings of an all-out, fair-weather sports car. Its rakish, cut-down windshield gave the impression of speed and adventure even while the car was at rest, and its performance and handling abilities were sharpened by a significant, overall weight reduction;

Speedster production commenced in 1955 and peaked at 1,416 units for 1957, with just 2,922 examples built in all. The Porsche 356 and its variants, including the Speedster, helped Porsche develop the American market and cater to a youthful, avant-garde clientele;

According to its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this very desirable 1600 cc-powered Porsche 356 Speedster was originally built on May 9, 1957 with sealed-beam headlamps, and it was finished in red with 356 Coupe-type seats trimmed in black leatherette. Prior to acquisition by the current owner some 12 years ago, this southern car was professionally restored. It is presented with a highly detailed engine bay, and the restoration was recently freshened with new carpeting, a new top, and selectively restored brightwork. As confirmed by the aforementioned Kardex certificate, it is a matching numbers example. All around, this is a terrific example of Porsche’s legendary Speedster, a sports car for the true enthusiast with his sights set on Mulholland Drive;

RM Auctions. Monterey. Friday, August 17, 2012 http://www.rmauctions.com/