1957 Porsche 356A - $1,300,000 - FALLBROOK, CA - 1957 PORSCHE 356A CARRERA SPEEDSTER, This gorgeous, white 1957 356 A (T1) Carrera Speedster is the 50th of an estimated 75 built, and it has been described by its knowledgeable consignor as a solid and rust-free example with no issues. Its factory-issued Certificate of Authenticity states that 83087 was completed on March 20, 1957, and it was fitted with U.S.-specification chromed over-rider bumpers, sealed-beam headlamps, and a deluxe horn ring. The consignor notes that this Carrera GS Speedster has travelled but 29,000 miles from new, in the hands of only four owners, with the fourth owner retaining the car for more than 40 years. Its first purchaser is shown to have been Arnold D. Ladd, of Whippany, New Jersey, who ordered it from Porsche's New York City importer, Max Hoffman.
The floor and all of the body panels on this solid, rust-free example are original and retain their correct, factory matching numbers. The car was refinished in its original color combination of white with black leather Speedster seats, which are trimmed with white piping. The interior, including the boot and cover, the side curtains, and the correct, new German square-weave carpets, was handled by Thomas Pocious, and the dashboard instruments were rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. Its original trim parts were restored by marque expert Victor Miles at Concours Refinishing in Ventura, California, and all necessary rechroming was done by the renowned Chris Hanson's shop in Los Angles, all in triple plate. The car was recently fitted with a set of period-dated (10-57), rebuilt, chromed Rudge knock-off wheels and hubs, which were an expensive factory option and are highly sought-after today. The consignor states that maintaining period authenticity was important, and no stone was left unturned in his pursuit of excellence.
The period-correct Type 547/1 four-cam engine was recently rebuilt by Bill Doyle at Rennwagen in Jackson, Wyoming; he is considered by many to be the top Carrera engine expert in the U.S. This is not the car's original engine, but the replacement of damaged Hirth roller-bearing four-cam motors was a common occurrence in the 1950s. The transmission, suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes have also been rebuilt by noted specialists, as have the fuel system and electricals, including a new wiring loom by Rhode Island Wiring Services.
Recent concours awards include a First in Class at the 2013 Desert Classics Concours d'Elegance, an Award of Excellence at the 2013 Greenwich Concour d' Elegance, a Second in Class at the highly competitive 2013 Dana Point Concours d' Elegance, and a Second in Class (Full Concours) at the 2013 Dana Point 356 Concours.Today, surviving Carrera Speedsters are in great demand by knowledgeable Porsche collectors around the world. Fully restored examples infrequently come to market, and this handsome car, offered in its original paint and upholstery color combination, presents a rare opportunity for the discerning enthusiast.