1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster
- Engine
- 1.6L flat-four OHV, twin-choke carburetors, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm
- Colour
- Ruby Red
This 1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster, chassis 83818, was assembled at the Zuffenhausen factory in October 1957 and dispatched to the North American market via the Max Hoffman agency. It gained a notable competition record in SCCA E-Production racing during the 1970s and 1980s, earning back-to-back regional championships in 1978 and 1979, holding the Road Atlanta E Production lap record for a decade, and being recognised by Porsche Panorama as the world's fastest Speedster. A comprehensive bare-metal restoration was subsequently completed in California, returning the car to factory specification in Ruby Red over Beige leather.
Ownership
- 2023-08-18Auction saleSold US$290,000
- 2014 →Acquisition unknownCalifornia-based sportscar collectorfull documentation
Commissioned a thorough bare-metal restoration focused on period accuracy, carried out at multiple specialist shops across the United States.
- Date unknownDan Barronpartial documentation
Owned the Speedster by the early 1970s and entered it in SCCA E-Production competition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRobert Overbypartial documentation
Based in Jacksonville, Florida; acquired the car by the mid-1970s and campaigned it extensively in SCCA competition, earning notable magazine coverage through the late 1980s.
Competition
- 1978SCCA E-ProductionSCCA E-Production Championship 1978Driver: Robert OverbyChampionship win
First of two back-to-back SCCA title victories; the car also set a long-standing lap record at Road Atlanta in the E-Production class.
- 1979SCCA E-ProductionSCCA E-Production Championship 1979Driver: Robert OverbyChampionship win
Second consecutive SCCA title; Porsche Panorama magazine subsequently referred to the car as the fastest Speedster in the world.
- —Sebring
Campaigned at Sebring during the late 1980s with Weldon Scrogham and Flip Groggins sharing driving duties.
- —Daytona
Competed at Daytona in the late 1980s period with Scrogham and Groggins at the wheel.
- —Watkins Glen
One of several venues where the car was raced in the late 1980s alongside Daytona, Pocono, and other circuits.
- —Pocono
Raced at Pocono during the late 1980s campaign with Scrogham and Groggins driving.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationMultiple specialists including Willhoit Auto Restorations, Trevor Hammer Works, Hollywood Speedometers, Auto's International
Full bare-metal restoration carried out on a Cellette bench in Fresno, California, with an emphasis on factory accuracy. Worn or missing original components were sourced and either restored or re-plated. Instruments were refurbished by Hollywood Speedometers; replacement front nose and rear fenders were hand-fabricated by Trevor Hammer Works in Ohio; Ruby Red paintwork was colour-matched and applied by Willhoit Auto Restorations; interior fitted by Auto's International comprising Beige leather, Oatmeal square-weave carpet, and a matching soft top, cover, and side curtains.
Small parts were sourced from Sierra Madre Collection and Stoddard Porsche. Restoration file accompanies the car.
- —Engine rebuild
Engine rebuilt to factory Super specification; new plating and powder coating applied to heat shields and shrouds.
Part of the broader post-2014 restoration programme.
- —MechanicalMartin Willis
The original BBAB Speedster gearbox was stripped, inspected, and found within acceptable tolerances; it was resealed and reconditioned as required. Suspension and undercarriage were refinished accurately including correct undercoating. Koni shock absorbers were installed at all four corners. Brake drums were restored by Martin Willis in Colorado.
Part of the broader post-2014 restoration programme.
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