Released toward the latter end of the 1940s, the 356 was Porsche’s very first production model, though in 1954 the German brand would launch the even-more iconic, 356 Speedster. Exuding old-school elegance with its swooping lines and tasteful yet sparsely-designed interior, the Speedster continues to play a highly influential role in modern vehicle designs, with one of the best examples in recent years being the Hermes Speedster.
Designed by the Greece-based Seven Seas Yachts, the 22.14′ boat takes direct inspiration from the legendary Porsche 356 Speedster, along with a few nods to 1930s gentlemen-style runabout boats. The Hermes’ completely handmade interior bears a striking resemblance to the four-wheeled Speedster, complete with analog instrumentation and wooden steering wheel with aluminum inlays. The boat boasts a seven-layer hull with multiple airtight compartments, a honeycomb structure, and an exterior layer composed of ultra-rugged and lightweight vinyl ester resin. With a 72-degree access angle, and trim angles ranging from 2 to 2.8-degrees (regardless of speed), the Hermes is not only incredibly stable, but it’s also remarkably efficient, enabling the Porsche-themed boat to utilize a relatively small 153hp, inter-cooled, turbocharged, 846cc, SOHC, parallel-twin. Tipping the scales at approximately 1,500lbs, the Hermes provides accommodation for five passengers and offers a top speed of 45mph. A number of supreme examples of the stylish Hermes Speedster are available through Nick’s Boats now starting at $132,850.
