CLIENT RESTORATION UPDATE
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 was a core car that was not just "any" Porsche, but a numbers-matching Pre-A Speedster that includes the original engine and drive axle; our team has made a number of client-requested options a reality, and has truly gone the extra mile with building a car that stays true to the original look and feel of the 356A, but with added boosts of power and performance from the addition of several major components, including a pre-built 911 engine for increased power and performance, as well with an improved transaxle. The engine is also to feature a set of high-performance Weber carbs and a Sport Exhaust system, among other upgrades including special-ordered wheels from Germany with improved disc brakes. Once completed, this upgraded classic Porsche is sure to turn heads and generate smiles from anyone gazing upon its timely design and high level of performance!
Much progress has been made to our client’s 1955 Porsche 356A Speedster named “Speedy” since our Spring newsletter, where we showed you our body work team’s efforts on getting Speedy's kinks worked out and prepping it for assembly, as our master technicians were busy at work getting Speedy’s mechanical components ready for eventual install. The body work team has since completed their work, and the results are nothing short of spectacular, as seen in the bodywork gallery photos below. The team has been extremely diligent with getting the Porsche ready for its inaugural showing for the Quail this coming August, and we are excited to share these latest updates with you.
On the mechanical side, our team has installed disc brakes to the front of the car and have also installed an upgraded 356 C transaxle. We have also modified and adapted shock mounts for the rear shock assembly, as well as added a set of Koni shocks on each end. The front of the Porsche is utilizing a new disc brake system, while the rear is using a traditional, stock drum brakes. The team has recently installed a new wire loom and corresponding cables through the tunnel and proper locations for instrument and accessory operation. The team also built and installed a new windshield wiper mechanism before the installation of a new windshield. The team has upgraded the car’s electric system by converting it from a 6-volt system to a 12 for improved charging, operation, and an overall stronger use of power.
The assembly of the Porsche’s interior and components has also begun, where our master trimmer has installed Dynamat to Speedy to help in retarding generated heat and help filter engine noise, while other craftsmen have worked on installing the gas tank, instruments, and corresponding wiring to the car.
The team is on proper course to complete Speedy in early August - just in time for its new owner to take it to the esteemed Quail event. Please stay tuned to our Fall newsletter for finished photos of this restoration project, as well as galleries from its inaugural showing at the Quail!