1957 Porsche 356 Speedster -  Long-Term Ownership. Estimate $115,000 - $145,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

At the 1955 Frankfurt Auto Show, Porsche introduced a new line of cars bearing such a broad range of refinements that it was given a new designation: 356A. It would be just three months before American forces still occupying Germany under the Marshall Plan would return the original brick Werk 1 facility to Porsche after 10 years, and designers and engineers would hastily reclaim it as their home. But they had already been working feverishly for a year to improve on the 356, designing a new engine that would allow for increasing displacements in the years to come. Chassis development, performed on the Black 356 mule known as “Ferdinand,” resulted in more precise and durable suspension and steering that also benefited from the use of smaller diameter and wider 15-inch wheels and tires. The sportiest entry in the new 356A lineup was the Speedster, whose 1,600CC engine was upgraded with improved sealing, a forged crank, higher compression and cast intake passages fed by Solex carburetors. Coming from long-term ownership in the Pacific Northwest, this 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster is finished in classic Silver with a Black interior and soft top. A solid example with excellent floor pans, matching number hood stamp, new brightwork, glass and weatherstripping and restored windshield frame, it has been detailed throughout and reveals a nice undercoat and suspension appearance. It is mechanically sorted, with a rebuilt engine and new brakes for top performance, with the added extra of that lovely 356A engine note. Offered with the soft top and side curtains, optional chromed wheels and a full cockpit tonneau cover, this charming Speedster is a choice collector-grade Porsche documented with the factory Kardex.

Mecum Monterey 2015