Porsche 356A T2
1958 Porsche 356A 1600 T2 Speedster with hardtop Chassis number 84070 • Delivered new in the USA • Extensively restored between 2015 and 2017 (invoices available) • Includes rare factory hardtop • Tastefully modified for historic rallies In 1952, Porsche built a test series of 15 roadsters commissioned by the American importer Max Hoffman. Hoffman had convinced the German manufacturer of the potential of a 'cheap' entry-level model that would appeal to the North American market. The success of the roadsters in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster in 1954; essentially an 'economy' model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars. Stripped of all superfluous luxury – even the heating was optional – the Speedster established a formidable position, both on public roads and in the emerging American sports car racing. The combination of style, performance, and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular, and today this most beautiful of the 356 variants enjoys iconic status.
1958 Porsche 356A 1600 T2 Speedster with hardtop
Chassis number 84070
• Delivered new in the USA
• Extensively restored between 2015 and 2017 (invoices available)
• Includes rare factory hardtop
• Tastefully adapted for historic rallies
In 1952, Porsche built a prototype series of 15 roadsters commissioned by the American importer Max Hoffman. Hoffman had convinced the German manufacturer of the potential of a 'cheap' entry-level model that would be attractive to the North American market. The success of the roadsters in the US led to the introduction of the Speedster in 1954; essentially an 'economy' model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars.
Stripped of all unnecessary luxury – even the heating was optional – the Speedster established a formidable position, both on public roads and in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene. The combination of style, performance, and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular, and today this finest of the 356 variants enjoys iconic status.
Chassis number '84070' was delivered new in the US and first registered on July 1, 1958. The car was fully restored between 2015 and 2017 and comes with invoices totaling approximately €120.000, attesting to the extensive restoration.
When the current owner purchased the car in 1999, it had already undergone a previous restoration and was regularly used for rallies in Europe. In 2015, the body was mounted on a straightening jig to facilitate subsequent work and ensure accurate seam measurements. The body was then immersed in a KTL sealing bath.
A recent independent inspection report confirms that the engine has been fully overhauled and that it starts easily and runs well, while the gearbox has been replaced with a reconditioned unit and reportedly shifts smoothly.
In addition, the car is equipped with a roll bar and a dual exhaust. An OMP fire extinguisher is installed in the space in front of the rear seats and OMP seat belts are fitted.
To further emphasize the sporty character of the Speedster, the bumpers have been removed, the headlights fitted with protective grilles, and fog lights installed. The speedometer and tachometer are marked in green. Furthermore, an oil temperature gauge is mounted under the dashboard and an odometer on the right side. The steering wheel is a three-spoke wooden model.
The current owner has participated in various historic rallies with the Speedster. The car has been used sparingly since 2017. The car comes with German registration certificates; an independent condition report by Franc Gourge of KFZ-Sachverständige; a rare original hardtop; and the aforementioned restoration invoices.