OVERVIEW
1958 Porsche 356 Speedster "Super"
VIN: 84344
Ivory
A "show quality" 100% cosmetic and mechanical restoration
Restored by Jim Newton of Automobile Associates of Canton, CT
Matching numbers engine and transmission
Matching numbers trunk lid, deck lid and door panels
Correct date-coded wheels, carburetors, fuel tank
Engine upgraded to 1720cc during engine rebuild
Period-correct tools
Porsche Cars North America "Most Significant Porsche" award winner in 2008.
One of the most sought-after 356s to this day, the Porsche 356 Speedster has remained a timeless icon that many collectors still yearn for. A lightened, stripped-down drop top with a few updated styling touches made this car the one you could drive to the track, race around to your hearts content and then drive home afterwards.
Destined for American shores, this Speedster was optioned with Sealed-Beam headlights and U.S. bumpers with ivory paint and a red leatherette interior. On December 27th, 1957, the Porsche would arrive with Mr. Hoffman of New York City. Maximilian Hoffman was the most prominent importer of European vehicles on the East Coast and was the main point of entry for most Porsches in the 1950's.
The second owner who would keep the car for three decades, Leonard Cummings, the owner of Autosport Engineering in Stow, Massachusetts, would begin restoring the car and paint it. Shortly after, he put the car in storage in 1985 and would remain there for two decades. The Speedster would then see the light of day in 2005 when its new owner, Jordan Bochanis, would purchase the car with the intention of restoring it. Now in possession of the 356, Jordan would take the car to Jim Newton of Automobile Associates of Canton, CT, a renowned restorer of Porsche 356s.
The restoration of the 356 would take three years and ensuring that nothing was left to chance and that everything, down to the last nut and bolt, was restored properly. Stripped down to bare metal, it was evident that the car was never in an accident and even went as far as not having any major dents. Each panel was test fitted individually ensuring perfect fitment prior to painting. The original color Ivory was matched to a sprayed sample provided by John Willhoit of Willhoit Auto Restoration based on the original factory formula.
With the exterior finished, the engine was the next step for Automobile Associates. Rebuilt with a 1720cc piston and cylinder "Big Bore" set from NLA Limited, connection rods were replaced with balanced "C" rods, reconditioning the crank, cam replaced with a "C" camshaft, and the original "Super" carburetors rebuilt and jetted for increased horsepower.
The Speedster's interior was completely reupholstered with period-correct materials. The seats were covered in red leatherette, and the Oatmeal carpet and canvas top provided by Autos International. The red vinyl was matched to a well-preserved section of the original vinyl that was in excellent condition, and all gauges restored expertly by North Hollywood Speedometer. A new wiring harness from YnZ was also installed, ensuring that all electrical connections would work just as good as they did from the factory. The tool kit was also cleaned, with the pliers and generator wrench stripped and repainted, while the missing screwdrivers were replaced with custom-made set by Wills Werks.
Completed in 2008, Jordan would take the car to its first car show in September, the Fairfield County Concours in Westport, Connecticut. There it would win Porsche Cars North America "Most Significant Porsche" award. In 2011, the car would then move onto its new owner, who would own the car for 7 years.
Upon arriving at Canepa, the car presents in a stunning fashion that only true concours cars can. Visually stunning and mechanically sound, the 356 Speedster is the result of a restoration that is meticulously done. Needing only a light hand cleaning of the interior, engine, trunk and underside, the car now presents as if it just left the Porsche factory in Germany. With a concours-level cosmetic and mechanical restoration, paired with its matching numbers components and staggering period-correct condition, this Porsche Speedster is ready for any drive onto any show lawn.
