Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 133231455
Mot Expiry: March 2013

Porsche created the Speedster at the request of its North American importer, Max Hoffman. He was having great success with the 356 Coupe, but was convinced he could rival the British Roadsters of the time if armed with an open variant of the same car. After a commercially unviable attempt to produce a version in Aluminium, the Speedster was born in 1954 by creating a cut-down version of the Cabriolet with all creature comforts removed. The spartan cockpit featured lightweight bucket seats with fixed backrests, and instrumentation was limited to a speedometer and temperature gauge. The car was an instant hit, particularly in Southern California. The peak year was 1957, when arguably the best looking versions of the model were made. It is these iconic cars that the British-built Chesil replica recalls.

This factory-built example is based on a 1973 VW chassis and is understood to have been meticulously recommissioned by the vendor. The engine and gearbox were removed in order to thoroughly refurbish and repaint the chassis. The facia was recovered in fresh Black leather and the engine equipped with new bright wear, electronic ignition, Solex carburettors and a sports exhaust. This notably striking Red two-seater is now seemingly ready to be enjoyed complete with new bluetooth radio/CD and MOT into March 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: Although we HPI all vehicles prior to the auction, upon inspecting the documents it has come to our attention that in 2006 this vehicle was registered as a 'Category D Insurance Loss Vehicle Damaged but Repairable - Insurer Decided Not to Repair'.