While the staff here at Stuttcars can never get enough of Porsche’s latest GT3s and 963 prototypes, there’s true reverence for the sports car that founded the company, the 356. It’s true beauty in its simplicity, the 356 has earned a spot in collections the world over with a reputation of being one of the most respected sports cars of the 1950s. And among all of its variants, one model certainly stands out as the “King of Cool:” the Speedster.
Background
Introduced in late 1954, the Porsche 356 Speedster was a true dual-purpose sports car – one that could serve as both daily transportation and, with minor modifications, a successful weekend race car. Originally priced at $2,995 – well below Porsche’s Coupe and Cabriolet models – the Speedster was equipped with a stylish, cut-down windscreen, racy bucket seats, minimal folding soft top, and side curtains in place of standard roll-up windows. These features reduced the car’s weight and made it ideally suited to competition use. It was not long before the 356 Speedster established itself as a dominant force in sports car racing.
With its competition record, brilliant driving dynamics, and quality build, the Speedster was a favorite among sports car enthusiasts – particularly in California, where top-down motoring was possible almost every day of the year. The fact that celebrities such as James Dean and Steve McQueen owned Speedsters contributed greatly to the model’s iconoclastic image.
Chassis 82114
According to a copy of the accompanying Porsche Kardex, this 356 A Speedster, chassis 82114, is an original 1600 Super model, which was originally equipped with a high-performance type 616/2 engine. Completed at the factory in March 1956, this Speedster was specified with US-market equipment and finished in black over red vinyl upholstery. Notably, only 141 Speedsters were originally painted black, making this a particularly rare and desirable car.
Noted as a Werksverkauf, or direct factory sale, the Speedster was sold new to Mr. D.J. Shrimpton, who presumably took European delivery of the car, as suggested by early services noted on the Kardex. Subsequent owners include Stuart Shumpk of San Marino, California and Richard Cupp of La Cañada, California.
Enter world-famous collector, Peter Mullin
In November 1992, the Speedster was acquired by the Mullin Collection. At some time prior to acquisition, the car’s original engine was replaced with the current unit, numbered 80495. Beautifully presented in its rare, as-delivered color scheme and accompanied by a tool kit, jack, and copy of the Porsche Kardex, this Speedster is an ideal choice for a multitude of rallies, concours, and marque gatherings.
Available through Gooding & Company
Gooding & Company holds the unique honor and privilege of presenting Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction in-person at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California. Respected visionary Peter Mullin was deeply revered in the collector car world, not only for his world-renowned collection consisting of the finest and most exquisite French and European automobiles, but also for his enduring legacy as a philanthropist and distinguished businessman. Mr. Mullin’s appreciation, enthusiasm and knowledge of prewar French and Art Deco cars were simply unprecedented in the industry and beyond.
This auction offers lots without reserve, providing a brilliant selection of automotive history for every level of collector. Gooding & Company will house all available lots at the Mullin Automotive Museum, providing interested bidders the unique opportunity to conduct on-site inspections of the online offerings and interact with our marque expert specialists. The auction house invites you to speak with a Gooding & Company staff member for more information on viewing and inspection and how to consign for upcoming sales.
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