Used 1958 Porsche 356 for sale in Costa Mesa, CA

1958 Porsche 356A Speedster VIN 84096 Completed on November 15, 1957 The 1958 Speedster type T2 is the most desirable, sought after and drivable of all the Speedster from 1954 to 1958 with the ZF steering box, high bow top frame, and better shifter position moved closer to the driver. The paint is finished in Signal Red and is stunning! The interior is upholstered in full black leather with red piping to match the exterior, German black canvas soft-top and boot cover, and oatmeal German square weave carpets. Very straight body with excellent gaps & panel fit. The undercarriage is very nicely detailed including the suspension, engine, and transmission. 3M clear bra to protect from road rash has been installed. Mechanically it is in excellent condition. The engine is a period correct 1600cc SUPER that performs very well with plenty of power. Manual 4-speed 644 transmission shifts through the gears with ease. The brakes have been recently completely rebuilt with all new wheel cylinders, brake lines, and master cylinder. Complete with tools, owners manual, side curtains, and boot cover. Fully sorted and ready to enjoy. Rare opportunity to find a T2 Speedster in this condition at a reasonable price. Specifications 75 horsepower, 1,582cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with dual Zenith carburetors, four-speed manual 644 transmission, independent front suspension with laminated torsion bars, parallel trailing arms, and tubular shock absorbers, independent rear swing axles with torsion bars and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in. History One of the most desirable collector models is the 356 "Speedsters", introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman advised the company that a lower-cost, somewhat spartan open-top version could sell well in the American market. With its low, raked windscreen (which could be removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. Porsche has the Speedster to thank for their success in the United States. Without this little convertible, it could be argued that Porsche sales might not have ever taken off in the fiercely competitive U.S. market. The car's low-slung and focused looks appealed to sports car enthusiasts and its price of just under $3,000 definitely helped to get Speedsters off the showroom floors and out onto the open road. Boasting few creature comforts but excellent driving characteristics, it helped cement Porsche's reputation in the United States and earned it a hugely desirable portion of the sports car market at a time when the motto of most British marques was "export or die."