Nicely done, Bullfighter. http://www.petrolicious.com/former-porsche-speedster-race-car-now-rolls-through-san-diego-hills.
Pretty car. I too like the beehives on the 1956. I didn't understand the comment about the big American bumpers from later. They were just over rides they were an option. Personally I like them and gave them on both my 56 and 58 speedsters.
From what I understand the euro overriders are shorter than the US spec ones. At this point Porsche really began to worry about the US market. There is the common belief that the open Porsche ended with the 356 as times changed and people like Ralph Nader came to power. Nonetheless, I love the speedster and I hope to meet Jon one day at a 356 meet
They had the over riders in 1956 too. Personally I think they look good. 1956 speedster 82624 (and later) had them. Some earlier 56's did not. There is a low and high bar. I prefer the low. But the high bars didn't come out till January 1959. So not on a speedster.
Great story and pics. Another Speedster rescue complete. Best of all its being exercised regularly. On a recent trip to LA we spent a wonderful few days in Beverly Hills. One very warm evening my family and I were having an early dinner sitting outside facing the street. The Rodeo Drive crowd were about their business looking cool. The parade of super cars was never ending. Then I heard the familiar roar of a boxer engine - a 56 Speedster in navy blue swooped into view. Ive never seen so many heads snap. As it parked right in front, people gathered to have their photos taken next to it. This 58 yr old car got so much attention- Nobody noticed the Hollywood starlet strutting past at the same time- few cars get this kind of reaction.
Here are some pics of the Beverly Hills Speedster- anyone know it? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ross... That looks to be a kit. Actually a "Vintage" Speedster replica. Look to the black wiper arms... The non-emblem baby moon caps... The exhaust is signature Vintage... So are the white turnsignal lenses up front... And it looks like there are no "Porsche" emblems (some replica drivers go without as they are optional from Vintage). Still fun, and will garner a lot of attention for sure.
I don't believe they were optional on US-bound Speedsters after mid-1956 (July is the build month I've seen cited), but required by federal regs. It's a matter of taste. Some guys like the extra chrome. But I've seen many later Speedsters restored back to the earlier bumper style (with the support tube holes filled). I doubt Porsche was satisfied with them because with the 356B they raised the entire bumper to meet those requirements more gracefully.
Here's the official input from 356 registry, below. But you never see replicas running over riders btw, or at least I don't think they do... In mid 1956, overriders tubes (supposedly for increased protection) were added to the front and rear bumpers on the U.S. models. So the fact that the car you're looking at does not have those may or may not be significant, depending on whether it is a European or U.S. model. In addition, they are often removed on restored cars. On top of that, these overrider tubes were first fairly low over the front bumper (1957) but were raised higher in February 1959; plus they were first one piece on the rear bumper (1957) and then 2-piece (mid-1957). Finally, the overriders were offered as an option on European models.
I know of a French car in the US, a silver '58, that was a very accurate restoration (PCA Parade winner) and does not have overriders. But few Speedsters were sold in Europe -- in fact I believe they were only exported to the US for at least the first of the four years they were made. As a general rule, if you want a Speedster with the original-style bumpers, you'll need a 'Pre-A' or a very early A.
Jon - beautiful car. An investment that you can drive, and drive, and drive some more. I promise a return for a more scenic backdrop in the near future. I'd love to see it profiled in excellence magazine and others. I love the story about its background. Very cool. In LA shooting golf courses this week. Not quite as exciting as being in our cars... Robb
