The original light-weight
The Speedster variant of the 356 was introduced in 1954, featuring a low-raked windscreen, bucket seats, and an easily operated soft top. Directed towards the Southern California market, the Speedster offered a stripped-down, lightweight variation of the 356. With a more affordable starting price and a driver-oriented experience, it was an immediate hit for enthusiasts.
In 1988, Porsche resurrected the concept when it introduced the 911 Speedster to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 911. Featuring a shortened windscreen, a manually operated fabric top, and a distinctive “double bubble” fiberglass tonneau, just 2,065 examples of the variant were built. After its success, the Speedster model was offered once again in 1993 for the Type 964 generation with a run of 1,050 units. With each, the lightweight, manually operated top takes center stage and highlights the philosophy introduced by the original 356 Speedster – a no-frills, top-down, high-performance driving experience.
Technical Specs
- 3,996 CC DOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
- Direct Fuel Injection
- 502 BHP at 8,400 RPM
- 6-Speed Manual Transaxle
- 4-Wheel Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes
- Front Independent Suspension with MacPherson Struts
- Rear Independent Multi-Link LSA Suspension
Highlights
- One of Just 1,948 Type 991 Speedsters Built
- Equipped with Rare and Desirable $24,510 Heritage Design Package
- One-Owner, Nearly New Example Showing Just 52 Miles when Catalogued
- Accompanied by Original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Spare Key, Car Cover, and CARFAX Vehicle History Report
- A Thrilling Modern Throwback to the Speedster’s Racing Roots
- Finished in Black GT Silver Metallic with Black and Cognac Two-Tone Leather Interior
A nod to the original Porsche driving experience
Launched in 2019, the Type 991 generation still holds to the original formula while keeping up with modern performance rivals. The double-bubble carbon fiber-reinforced plastic tonneau carries a manually adjustable fabric roof, and the only gearbox offering was a six-speed manual – a true rarity in the modern sports car market. Performance was notably improved over the standard 911, as it packed the GT3’s 4.0-liter flat-six with its celebrated 9,000 rpm redline, meaning 0–60 mph was accomplished in just 3.9 seconds. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and chassis technology, such as Porsche Torque Vectoring borrowed from the GT3, complete the package.
Limited Production
One of just 1,948 “991 Speedsters” built, the example is equipped with the sought-after $24,510 Heritage Design Package. Developed by Porsche Exclusive utilizing the highest levels of craftsmanship, the Heritage Design Package harkens back to the roots of Porsche motorsports with numerous classic-inspired styling and design elements.
Silver, as a Porsche, should be
Exclusively available in GT Silver Metallic paint as a tribute to the golden days of motorsports, the front bumper and front fender “arrows” are painted in White. The package also features the racing number “gumballs” in White on the front luggage compartment lid, doors, and Porsche crests on the front trunk and wheels. The calipers of the standard PCCB brakes are painted in Black and feature white Porsche lettering to suit the classic appearance of the package.
Cockpit
The interior is finished in Black and Cognac two-tone leather, and the seat backs and interior trim pieces are painted in GT Silver Metallic. This fantastic example was purchased new by the consignor from Porsche of Fresno, California, in November 2019, joining his impressive stable of limited-production sports cars. It has remained in his collection since, being preserved as a collectible, showing just 52 miles when cataloged. It is accompanied by its original window sticker, owner’s manuals, spare key, car cover, and CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
Available now
Although the era of analog supercars may be behind us, the Type 911 Speedster reminds us that cutting-edge performance features can coalesce with heritage design cues to create something extraordinary. Offered from a significant Porsche collection, the opportunity to experience this nearly new, highly coveted 911 Speedster should not be missed. Note, this vehicle will not be sold for use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident.
Auction details HERE
All content © 2023 Gooding & Co, photos courtesy Brian Henniker
