* 1.6-liter flat-four cylinder
* 4-speed manual transmission
* US delivered, matching numbers Speedster
* Offered from long-term ownership
* Beautifully restored example
* Former show car

Porsche's immortal 356 Speedster may be the most desired individual model to emerge from that storied firm's first 20 years of manufacturing sports cars. From the first example built in 1954 through the last in 1958, the Speedster has always epitomized pure, seat-of-the-pants driving pleasure. The Speedster was created at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who convinced the factory to produce a lower-priced, albeit Spartan, open car to compete with the increasingly popular and lower-priced British imports of the day. The Speedster thus was a bare-bones, skinny-tired vehicle that enthusiasts quickly found to be very competitive on the race track; indeed there are dozens of these little open "bathtubs" still being raced today around the world. What draws the eye, however, is the Speedster's timeless design – think for a moment about the styling offered by other automakers in 1954. Few if any were as cleanly-shaped and devoid of artifice. That aerodynamic purity still attracts the knowledgeable today, and 356 Speedsters remain at the top of many collectors' must-have lists.

The fine Speedster offered here left the Porsche factory on November 11, 1957, for shipment to Hoffman Motors in New York City. Little is known of the car's early years, but it eventually found its way to the West Coast and in 1987 was acquired by its current, and believed only third owner, Jack Hogan of Lake Oswego, Oregon, a renowned restorer and collector of early V-8 Fords. Chassis '84087' was originally delivered from the factory in 5703 Meissenblau with red vinyl interior. The only options listed on the car's Certificate of Authenticity are sealed-beam headlamps and U.S. bumpers. Hogan began a full restoration in 1989. The car was stripped to bare metal before a respray to its current bright red. We are advised by the vendor that no signs of any serious previous accident damage or rust were found during the restoration and all the panels retain their correct original numbers. The bodywork is smooth and straight, with excellent gaps. The floors and battery box areas appeared in good condition during the restoration.

A black vinyl interior, along with proper new tan square-weave carpeting and black floor mats were installed. The desirable high-bow top and side curtains are in excellent condition. The tires, including the spare, are 165/15 Michelin XZX mounted on chromed five-inch-wide rims.

The original 616/2 engine, no. 67578, was overhauled at an indicated 31,843 miles at Porsche specialist Marque Motors of Portland, Oregon. Performance upgrades included the proper increased size cylinders and pistons and a pair of Weber carburetors. Dynamometer testing showed the rebuilt motor produced 102 hp at 6,250 rpm and 96 foot-pounds of torque at 5,750 rpm. Marque Motors also overhauled the original transaxle (no. 16969), brakes, and front end.

The restoration was completed just in time for the 1995 Porsche Parade, the Porsche Club of America's annual national convention, held in Portland that year. Hogan's red Speedster was featured on the cover of PCA's Porsche Panorama magazine and its image was included on various Porsche parade memorabilia. It was the centerpiece display of the event. During the Parade, Hans-Peter Porsche, Dr. Ferry Porsche's youngest son, was photographed in the car and signed the underside of the front hood. The car has been shown periodically and is a past class winner at the Forest Grove Concours d' Elegance.

Hogan has driven the Porsche a mere 1,300 miles since its restoration and it remains in excellent overall condition. The odometer now reads 33,201 miles; while it is not known if this is the car's total original mileage, the condition of its bodywork suggests it was well-cared for throughout its 54-year life.

This very handsome Speedster will be sold with a tonneau cover and boot, along with its original Solex carburetors, air filters, and various spares. Speedster values have been steadily rising over the past decade, and this example, boasting all-original numbers-matching body panels, engine, and transaxle, would make a worthy investment, either as an enjoyable driver, significant historic rally participant or a worthy concours contender.