ABOUT THE 1955 PORSCHE 356 PRE A SPEEDSTER and THE RESTORATION:

Classic Showcase purchased this classic 1955 Porsche 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 maintains its original hood hatch lid and doors (which are also matching). In the past, the car had been damaged in the front as well as the rear; we don’t know if this happened during the car’s racing life, or from regular highway use. Regardless, because it is a such a historic and valuable car, we thought it was worth it, and started the journey of restoring it back to life.

THE 356 PRE A PRE-RESTORATION:

Prior to embarking on the restoration, one of our great collector customers whom we have custom-built a modified 1954 Jaguar XK-120 for and was visiting us for an update on that project, happened to notice the Speedster sitting in our showroom; he was impressed with it - so much that he ended up purchasing the car, asking us to hold it until he was ready to start a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration to the Porsche.

ABOUT THE BUILD:

The build created for the car is quite impressive and includes maintaining the original engine and transaxle - to be crated and shipped when the car is complete for the collector to store. Our team is building a Porsche-912 engine with Weber carburetors to create a high performing engine, primarily because the basic Speedster in 1955 had very limited power and performance; the collector commissioning the restoration is intending to use it in rallies as well as showing at events, so these improved modifications will be beneficial, and really add to its general value and collectability.

Our team is also upgrading the transaxle to a 911 version which is a heavier-duty transmission to handle the increased horsepower, will shift smoother, and all-in-all produce a much better handling and driving experience for the driver - without diminishing the real value of the car, due to the fact that it will still have a numbers-matching engine. 

Interior &
Upholstery Work

Among a host of other things, we will be adding factory Speedster seats, completely restored factory Instrumentation, a new wire harness, and a conversion from 6 volt to 12 volt. The Speedster will also feature a fully restored interior in all of the proper German materials, to bring the look of this very special Porsche all together! Stay tuned to our Spring 2022 Newsletter for an update on this exciting Porsche build!

OTHER OPTIONS & WORK TO BE DONE: