Modern Classic: 1955-58 Porsche Speedster

Porsche's beloved Speedster started life as a "stripper." New York Dealer/entrepreneur Max Hoffman convinced Ferry Porsche there was a market for a low-priced roadster that could easily be converted for racing. Priced at just $2,995 (heater and tach were extra), the Speedster was essentially a lightweight version of Porsche's 356 Cabrio, sans roll-up windows and heavy padded top. The Speedster's distinguishing feature was that impossibly low windscreen, chopped some 3.5 inches shorter than the Cabrio's. With its thin canvas top erected, the Speedster resembled a short, fattish man with his hat pulled down over his eyes. A minimalistic approach kept weight down, and the rear-mounted air-cooled boxer type engine maintained a low center of gravity.


Under the Speedster's single-vent decklid was a 64 bhp, 1488 cc "Normal" flat four. For $500 more, you got the hotter, 82 bhp Super. Both engines used Porsche's 4-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox. Speedsters had lower First- and Second-gear ratios than heavier (+195 pounds) coupes. Front independent suspension consisted of parallel trailing arms and laminated torsion bars, backed by Porsche's dreaded swing-axle IRS, also with torsion bars. Brakes were big finned drums. In 1956, wraparound teardrop taillights replaced earlier "beehive" units and 15-inch wheels replaced 16-inchers. Three different versions were offered: the 1582 cc, 70 bhp Normal, an 88 bhp Super, and the race-ready, 128 bhp, 4-Cam, dual-ignition, 1500GS Carrera.


Properly geared, a fussy but fast Carrera could top 125 mph. Speedster seats were specially-supplied, deep individual buckets. Although tail-heavy and subject to easily induced oversteer, the Speedster's quick steering, torquey powerplant and whippy shifter encouraged sports motoring. In 1959, Porsche dropped the Speedster in favor of the Convertible D (for bodymaker Drauz), a civilized two-seater with a taller windshield. 3,122 Speedsters were sold before production stopped. Originals suffer from rust (rocker panels, heater boxes, jacking points, etc.). At any Porsche get-together, Speedster drivers are accorded high honors. You'll have to hunt and inspect carefully, but you can still get a decent pushrod example for under $45,000. Forget 4-cam Carreras unless you're a lottery winner. They're $125,000.

Resource
CPI (Cars of Particular Interest), www.cpivalueguide.com