1989 Porsche 911 Speedster

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1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
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From the collection of America’s most famous celebrity Porsche collector
One of three cars from the special collection available at Canepa
1,236 miles, time-capsule originality
California car for most of its history
Only 823 examples delivered to the U.S.
Optioned with air conditioning and leather seats
Made only for the model year 1989
5-speed manual transmission, 3.2-liter flat six engine
Has original window sticker, owner’s manuals, books, tools, jack, spare, and compressor

Pulling heritage from Porsche’s original Speedster from the 1950s, the final iteration of the G-body 911 was introduced with critical acclaim. Styling cues from the original with the swept back windshield, less weight, and with a small production for the entire world, it was instantly a collector’s paradise. For simplicity and purity, there was no power steering and ABS was removed, and the engine remained naturally aspirated. However, for the 1989 model year the G-50 5-speed manual transaxle was introduced which had improved performance with a hydraulic clutch. All in all, between the design purity of exterior with the underpinnings from the last hurrah of the G-body 911, the 1989 911 Speedster is one of the purest forms of driving you can experience.

This Speedster was delivered to Steve Taub Porsche in Santa Monica, CA in December of 1989, optioned with a leather interior in black and air conditioning. The car was purchased by the first owner, Makino Tai, of Los Angeles, California. Makino was exceptionally careful with his car, evident in the fact that this car now only has accumulated a total of 1,236 miles since new. During his ownership he ensured that the car was serviced properly and driven sparingly. Remaining in his possession until late 2017, the Speedster was then purchased by America’s most famous celebrity Porsche collector.

Collector of all-things Porsche, he is known for having a vast collection of Porsches from the entire history of the German brand. He purchased this time-capsule Speedster and had it shipped back to one of his collections located in New York City. Remaining in his collection for more than two years, he added 100 or so miles to the odometer that has brought the total mileage to 1,236 miles today.

He recently visited Canepa and met with Bruce Canepa and talked about a few of his car that he was willing to part with for a special car in Canepa’s showroom. A few talks later, this Speedster was one of the cars decided to join Canepa’s inventory.

Upon arrival the car was inspected from front to back. As expected, looked and drove like it was just pulled off a Porsche showroom floor. With the mechanical inspection and service taken care of as part of the “Canepa Difference” process, the car was treated to a complete concours-level detailing inside, outside and underside. The original Grand Prix white paintwork was polished to perfection, leaving the surface finish ready for the Canepa showroom. With the rest of the car meticulously inspected, serviced and cleaned, this famous collector-owned Speedster is one of the finest time-capsule examples that Canepa has ever seen.