Grand Prix Classics is offering this Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster for sale.
History:
The Porsche factory Kardex shows this 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster dispatched on 5 February 1958 from Porsche Stuttgart to the USA Porsche distributor Hoffman in New York. The original color was silver. The engine number was 68621 and the transmission number 18297 both of which it still retains. It is a USA export model with over rider bumpers and sealed beam headlamps. By the 1960’s the car is in Stockton California with Lysle Turnbaugh. There is an advertisement showing the car for sale in 1972. In 2017 Lysle was 90 years old and spoke to us about his long-term ownership of the car.
His son is still in Stockton operating a Porsche repair shop to this day and remembered his father’s car. In the 1980’s the car is still in California and sells in 1988 to Dr. Stephen Thein in San Diego. Dr. Thein owns the car for 29 years selling it to Grand Prix Classics.
In 2017 Grand Prix Classics then undertakes an extensive three yearlong restoration and sells the Speedster to Peter LeSaffre in Rye New Hampshire in 2021. In early 2026 Grand Prix Classics is able to buy their old car back. It has now travelled just 285 miles since restoration.
Condition:
From 2017 until 2021 a thorough professional restoration to the highest possible level is undertaken at a cost of $300,000. A very original speedster with original shell. This California car is stripped to the bare chassis and rebuilt. Still retaining original upper body sheet metal, floor pans and battery box. With the superb talents of Jose at Eurosport in San Diego the original metal is straightened, repaired, and saved. Retaining all factory spot welds, seams and original jack spurs.
Even the glass taillight reflectors were restored at a cost of $2,500 instead of buying the plastic reproductions for $100. An original horn button at a cost of $800. Date stamped wheels, date stamped fuel tank and fuel sender. Date stamped instruments. Even the seat shells were restored and metal shaped to perfection. The original watching numbers engine was rebuild by John Wilhoit with one of his 110 HP and 124 torque.
Still on the matching numbered case and heads. The transmission was rebuilt by Scott Hendry of Scotts Independent with Speedster gears and limited slip differential. All bright work and small parts refurbished by Victor Miles. Interior upholstery and soft top by Thomas Pocius Upholstery. An album with over 300 photographs documenting the restoration process. Receipts totaling $300,000 documenting the work done over the three years. This high attention to detail takes time, money and expertise.
Willhoit engine:
1905 cc, 110 HP, 124 ft lbs. torque. Special crank, headwork but still retaining original matching numbered block and head and carburetors. This engine today has a one year wait time and costs $47,000. Comes with engine build sheet, dyno sheet, and video of engine on the dyno.
Transaxle:
Rebuilt by Scott Hendry of Scotts Independent with Speedster gear ratios and limited slip differential.
Of Note:
An original California car with documented ownership, old yellow California license plates, restoration documented by hundreds of photos and repair orders. One of the most correct well-done restorations with only original parts. Irreplaceable as these original shell speedsters are impossible to find and this type of restoration is more costly and time-consuming than ever. Taking three years’ time and a Wilhoit engine build is also a yearlong wait. If a discerning collector wants one of the best speedsters, this is the one.
Included:
Owner’s manual, speedster manual, Kardex, binder documenting the restoration and ownership records, side curtains, spare tire, jack, tool kit, and tonneau.
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