Predecessor to the legendary 911, the 356 remains one of Porsche’s most revered models of all time. And while pretty much all 356 specimens are of note, the earliest examples of the German-built sportscar are the most valuable and sought-after. Despite their immense rarity, a 1955 Pre-A variant 356 Speedster has just popped up for sale through noted auction house, Gooding & Company.
One of only 1,234 units produced between 1954 and 1955, this 356 Speedster has spent the vast majority of its existence in Southern California and still wears the state’s vintage black and yellow plates. A three-owner example, the Porsche features a Targa-style rollbar, a louvered deck lid, a red leather interior, and Reutter-built coachwork adorned in a white livery. The car’s original powertrain has been replaced with a more powerful air-cooled, 1,582cc, overhead-valve, flat-four from the later SC-spec 356. Mated to a four-speed transmission and paired with twin downdraft carbs, the updated engine makes an estimated 70hp at the 5,000rpm mark. Available for private sale through Gooding & Co., this 1955 Pre-A Porsche 356 Speedster is being sold in “As-Found” condition and is offered with extensive documentation, spare tire, and tool roll. To inquire about pricing or to make an offer, you can contact Gooding & Co. via the link below.
