Are you ready for a thrilling journey into the world of vintage sports cars? Step into the past and discover the captivating story of the 1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster by Reutter. This iconic vehicle, with its mysterious black color, not only showcases its personality but also hides an air of mystery within its sleek design.
The Birth of a Legend
The Porsche Carrera “Four-cam” engine, meticulously crafted by Dr. Ernst Führmann in the early 1950s, was initially meant to power the 550 Spyder, Porsche’s first race car. Interestingly, Dr. Führmann humorously referred to it as the “Drawer motor” since he had to hide his design whenever Dr. Ferdinand Porsche entered his office. The project had not yet received approval!
After the 550 Spyder’s victories in the Carrera Panamericana Mexican road races, Porsche decided to make the powerful Four-cam engine available in its production coupes, Speedsters, and Cabriolets. These extraordinary automobiles, known as the Carrera models, were named in honor of their racing achievements and are now highly sought-after collector’s items.
A Legend on the Road
In 1954, the first pushrod-engined Porsche Speedster was introduced. Max Hoffman, Porsche’s New York importer, and John von Neumann, the West coast distributor, urged the company to create a lightweight and minimalist sports roadster to rival the popular British and Italian sports cars of the time. The Speedster quickly gained a reputation as a formidable competitor in its class. A significant milestone was reached when a 356 coupe equipped with a Fuhrmann engine won the demanding Liège-Rome-Liège Rally in 1954. Subsequently, a Speedster fitted with a Type 547 four-cam engine was tested, followed by two 356 coupes. Low-volume production of the Speedster began shortly after, with only one hundred units produced.
The Birth of the Carrera Pre-A Speedster
According to Marco Marinello’s definitive book, “Porsche Speedster Typ 540,” the first 356 Carrera Pre-A Speedster intended for public sale was completed in July 1955. The factory’s data compiled by Olaf Lang reveals that a total of 148 Carrera Speedsters were manufactured. These special vehicles closely resembled standard Speedsters equipped with less-powerful engines, featuring only small gold scripts on the front fenders and tail, along with a few extra switches on the dashboard, to signify their extraordinary power. The Type 547 four-cam engine boasted quad-overhead cams driven by quill-shafts and spiral bevel gears. With its built-up Hirth-patent crankshaft and one-piece connecting rods running in roller bearings, the 1.5-litre Type 547 engine generated an impressive 100 bhp at 6200 rpm. In the lightweight chassis of the Speedster, this power delivered a truly thrilling performance. Imagine accelerating from 0 to 120 mph in this magnificent feat of engineering!
Unveiling the Enigma
Chassis number 81062 stands as a testament to the legacy of the Carrera Speedster. Completed on 13 December 1955, it proudly represents the seventh Carrera Speedster out of only fifteen Pre-A Carrera Speedsters ever built. Its vibrant red exterior, complemented by a tan interior, exudes timeless elegance. As indicated by the factory Kardex, the car was equipped with an early-production 1,488 cc four-cam engine (number P90523) and a four-speed manual transmission. After being customized to U.S. specifications with sealed-beam headlamps and instrumentation in miles, it was shipped to Hoffman Motor Company in New York. The first owner, Mr. E.H. Übelhoer, cherished this masterpiece. Records reveal two dealer service visits at Hoffman’s, one on 5 October 1956 and another on 31 May 1957.
A Journey Through Time
The history of chassis number 81062 becomes somewhat mysterious after these initial years. However, we do know that it passed through the hands of Mr. Robert von Bereghy of Milwaukie, Wisconsin, who reached out to the factory for further information about the car in early 1978. The passionate Carrera Speedster authority and collector, Stephen Heinrichs, then became its owner. Although separated from its original engine at some point, the car was later reunited with its original power source by Heinrichs. The captivating journey continued when the car was sold to Mike Marix at The Candy Store in Palm Springs, California, eventually finding a new home with car collector John McCaw in the Seattle, Washington area.
A Restoration Worthy of Its Magnificence
Under the care of John McCaw, this exceptional Carrera Speedster underwent an extensive restoration at the renowned John Willhoit Auto Restoration in Long Beach, California. Over the course of 2½ years, the car received a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic overhaul of show-quality standards. Rust repairs and metal finishing were meticulously executed before the car was meticulously resprayed in its original Speedster Red hue. The interior was reupholstered in luxurious tan leather, complemented by a new folding top and side curtain set from Autos International. A new windscreen ensured crystal-clear views of the road ahead. The instruments were skillfully refurbished by North Hollywood Speedometer, retaining the car’s authenticity. To enhance its performance, a correct new twin-outlet exhaust system was installed, alongside a new “Spyder” extractor exhaust sourced from Germany. The finishing touches included new “Turbine” asymmetrical trim rings on all five wheels and the addition of bumper-mounted driving and fog lamps.
Embracing the Future
The journey of this beautiful Carrera Speedster continued when it found a new home with a collector in Oregon, who later entrusted Classic Parts in Saarbrücken, Germany to connect them with a buyer. This rare gem ultimately found its way to Europe, where it underwent further improvements by Karl Hloch, a world-renowned Carrera specialist in Schorndorf, Germany. Karl refreshed the engine and enhanced its drivability and reliability by changing the crankshaft from roller bearings to plain bearings. Today, this masterpiece is in stunning operating condition, ready to captivate the hearts of both enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The car is being offered with its original 16-inch steel wheels, ensuring an authentic experience, and also includes a set of side curtains.
Unveiling the Legend
This iconic Carrera Pre-A 1500 GS Speedster, chassis number 81062, is not only a timeless masterpiece but also an essential addition to any collection of fine, historically-important sports cars. Its beauty, power, and exclusivity make it eligible for the legendary Mille Miglia race. Now is your chance to own a piece of automotive history and experience the exhilaration of driving an original Porsche Carrera Speedster. Embrace the enigma, break free from the ordinary, and embrace the spirit of MMSPLAY.
