Automotive

Built between 1954 and 1958. This version had a four cylinder 1582cc engine producing 45Kw (60bhp). The Speedster weighed 794Kg and had a 0-100kph time of 13.9 sec and a top speed of 160kph. I particularly love the chrome side strips running the length of the car and ‘through’ the door handles, and the simple interior and dashboard. Purity.

Andrew

Car on display at our local Porsche dealership.

 

I stopped by to look at that one, too.
To think such an iconic car was the stripped down 'cheapie' 356...

... to keep the price down!

Didn't these early Porsches run those slightly scary petrol powered heaters?
Probably not a bad deletion...

Though at least they supposedly had some output, unlike their rival Alfa Giuliettas, whose heaters I've heard described as "no warmer than a Maiden Aunt's sigh" and possessing the heat and intensity of " a baby's breath". Something I can attest to. Hence the old army blanket and beanie that live next to the spare tyre in the Alfa. Classy!

Funny to read your stories of the Alfa. My 911 did not have a heater and was a little chilly in winter too. My dad would only drive it long distance with a blanket across his lap. I had forgotten that. Funny, when I was younger it didn't bother me. The same wouldn't apply today ...

what a beauty!

Funny thing is... during the nineties several of my friends had a Speedster like this .. one friend bought a 1980 911 (the one i still drive regularly). The 911 was the most expensive one and to me my dream car ... oh, how things have changed by now .... desirability has taken a 180° degree turn, both in value .. and my preference ... .

...due to the Giulietta (incidentally, though rivals, the Giulietta and the 356 were both brought to the US by the same importer. He wanted to cut Porsche prices: hence the Speedster).

But having driven a couple of 356s (356A/B) I don't like the handling, I don't like the gearchange and I don't like the engine note.

But they are lovely, iconic cars that are still a lot of fun and full of beautiful design features.

... i'd generally prefer the Alfa too As for my personal thoughts about the handling of the Beetle ....

I think you get my point ... Bim

i just put my speedster back on the road this week. if you ever get over to the lausanne/montreux area and want to go for spin look me up. i'm in the vintage porsche world here and can help you find whatever you need.
cheers.
rich