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106 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2024Ever since the “Speedster” nameplate was first applied to a Porsche in 1954, it has defined the company’s most adventurous and engaging road models ever since. Stripped of all but the most basic amenities and built to a price just below $3,000 at the insistence of legendary New York importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster mesmerized American Porsche buyers and enthusiasts with its racy looks, focused driving experience and avant-garde flair. Speedsters also proved to be true “giant killers” on the track in American SCCA competition, where they out-braked, out-handled, out-accelerated and humbled many farmore-powerful competitors. Just 2,922 examples of the original Speedster were produced in all to 1959. Despite its success as a niche model for America, Porsche management never fully grasped the original Speedster’s appeal, replacing the car with the more fully trimmed 356A Convertible D in 1959. However, despite its maker’s indifference, the sleek, barebones 356 Speedster managed to electrify legions of Porsche fanatics worldwide as a cult classic ever since its production ended. Facing this undeniable fact, Porsche celebrated the Speedster’s rich legacy several decades later with 2,065 examples of the Carrera 3.2-based Speedster to close out production of that popular 911 series in 1989.Featuring a lowered windshield, soft-top and rear tonneau cover, the car evoked the original 356-based CROSSING THE BLOCK2019 PORSCHE 911 SELLING WITH NO RESERVETHE MESMERIZINGSPEEDSTER