1955 356 Pre-A Speedster

The 356 Pre-A Speedster was born after Max Hoffman persuaded Porsche to build a cheaper, more sporting alternative to the Coupe and Cabriolet, aimed squarely at the American market. Launched in September 1954, the Speedster featured a stripped-down specification with no radio, an integrated dash, bucket seats, a low curved windshield, and a simple folding top. Early examples were powered by a 1.5-liter flat-four producing around 55 horsepower, with the option of the higher-output “Super” at roughly 70 horsepower, while later Pre-A Speedsters received the 1.6-liter engine.

This 1955 Pre-A Speedster came finished in Ivory with a Black soft top and a Black interior featuring fixed-back bucket seats. The odometer showed 551 miles, though true mileage was unknown. It was powered by a replacement 1.6-liter flat-four sourced from a 1964 356SC and a spare flat-four in need of work was included with the sale. Overall the car presented as a driver-quality example, with a handful of items needing attention and some components incorrect for the year.

Over the past twelve months, only one Pre-A Speedster has sold at an online auction, despite four examples crossing the block. That lone sale brought $315,000, while the unsold cars sat in the $240,000–270,000 range. Our Spotlight car was one of those prior no-sales, having been bid to $242,500 last August, and it fell short again this time, failing to sell at a final bid of $217,356.

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