SPEEDY AT CLASSIC SHOWCASE AFTER RESTORATION, AUGUST 2022
We had originally purchased this 356 Pre A Speedster as a “barn find” that had been sitting for many years in non-operational condition. It is a numbers-matching example that maintained its original engine lid, hood, and doors - also numbers-matching. The car had been previously damaged in the front as well as the rear and do not know if this happened during the car’s racing life, or from regular highway use. Regardless, because it is such a historic and valuable car, we thought a restoration was worth it, and offered the car as a great restoration candidate for collectors. The Porsche and a restoration were then purchased by one of our longtime clients, and our team started the journey of restoring the Porsche back to life. This collector client enjoys his classics and the hobby, and names each of his vehicles accordingly, such as his 1954 Jaguar XK-120 that we previously created for him named "Top Cat"...The 356 A is now known as "Speedy", but that's not just a play on the Speedster name, but rather a take on the impressive mechanical upgrades we added to it.
Since our last newsletter update, the 1955 Porsche Pre-A Speedster made its debut at the annual Quail Course in Carmel Valley, CA during Monterey Auto Week. The Quail is one of the most sought-after and prestigious events during auto week, and the one that everybody wants to attend. The event has grown so large in stature that is has become very difficult to obtain tickets and works in a lottery system – a testament to the popularity of this esteemed event.
Some of the finishing touches made to Speedy prior to travelling to the Quail in August included fully restoring the car's instruments and converting it to a 12 volt system; the installation of a sport exaust system, painting of the car's Rudge wheels (and chrome knock-offs) to match the 356 A's exterior color, along with many hours spent dialing everything in to be ready for the Quail Concours. This project was a lengthy, but rewarding jounrey, and the results speak for themselves!
Conditions for this year’s Quail were wonderful, and Speedy was very well received by other Speedster owners – many of whom commented on just how near perfect it was; in fact, Speedy's inaugural presentation at the Quail was in the words of some Porsche collectors as "a restoration done tastefully, but not an outlaw." These serious Porsche collectors at the Quail paid special attention to and admired the paint quality and overall attention to detail on the build; from the gorgeous two-toned Interior with Red leather seats and Black German woven carpet, to the various driving accessories including driving lights/fog lights and the color-coated Rudge wheels - this Speedster was cleary ready to impress! Attendees were completely captivated by the freshly restored 1955 Pre-A Speedster, and the owners were delighted to see it on the lawn, as well as just enjoying the beauty and quality of its build. They are planning to drive the car up and down the California coast later this year while staying in picturesque resorts along the way. The car will remain in California for the near future before it makes its final trip back to the owner’s residence. Stay tuned to future issues of our quarterly newsletters for updates on Speedy, where it is sure to be the toast of future Concours and Rally events!