This Porsche 356 Speedster Has Gone Mostly Unused Since The 90s

Summer is almost here, and when we are eventually able to leave our homes, a nice drive in a convertible would blow that cabin fever away. So how about a droptop with some style and history, something that would turn heads on the highway? You’ve got that opportunity, as this rare 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster is for sale.

It might need a little mechanical work, though; it apparently hasn’t seen the road very much since the late 1990s.

That’s rare, given that this is a Pre-A variant, the first generation of the nimble little roadster from Germany. Just 1,234 of this model were built between 1954 and ’55, and this 356 was designated for the U.S., coming through the legendary Hoffman Motors car dealership in New York City.

From the east coast, it moved west and spent its entire life in California: it even has the historic black licence plates, which the state issued to drivers between 1963 to 1969. Robert A. Holm of Long Beach was the first owner, and since 1965, he’s kept detailed records of service, which will also be included with the sale.

The Porsche was sold once more, in 1969, to an Orange County collector who kept right up to the day he died; the current owner just recently purchased it at the estate sale in ‘garage-find’ condition, as it hasn’t been used regularly in around 30 years.

This 356 Speedster still has its original white paint with red interior, but its original 1300cc engine was swapped at one point for an upgraded 1600cc four cylinder from a 356 SC; it also has a roll bar, louvered deck lid and headlight grilles, all period correct. The owner wants you to make an offer; what do you have to lose?

*Images courtesy of Gooding & Company