Chassis No.

83217


Engine No.

65063



The Porsche 356 Speedster's commercial success is often credited to the influential importer Max Hoffman, yet the original idea for a stripped-down, track-ready 356 came from Hoffman's West Coast counterpart, John von Neumann, whose chopped-down Gmund coupe served as the earliest inspiration for the Speedster.

Instantly recognizable by its low, wraparound windscreen and simplified cockpit, the Speedster was equally Porsche's least costly and most sporting model intended to compete with less-expensive offerings from Britain.



With the improved 356 A debuting for the 1956 model year, the Speedster gained the new 1.6-liter, 60-horsepower engine.

An instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene, the Speedster's style, performance and value made it irresistible to sports car fans.



One American who fell for the Speedster was First Lieutenant Richard W.

Savage, who was stationed in Germany following his service in World W...