1956 Porsche 356 GS Carrera Speedster 1500
- Engine
- 1.5L flat-four four-cam (Type 547/1), Solex carburettors, ~101 bhp
- Colour
- White with red interior trim
Chassis 82189 is a 1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera Speedster, one of an estimated 75 examples built between 1954 and 1958. Originally delivered new through Max Hoffman's New York dealership in August 1956, it retains its matching-numbers Type 547/1 four-cam engine — a rare distinction among surviving examples. The car reportedly competed at Sebring, Daytona, and Riverside during its American years, and was subsequently restored in Germany in the 1990s before being brought to the United Kingdom.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold £725,000 (≈ $906K)
- 1956-08-01 →Factory deliveryMax Hoffman dealership (New York delivery recipient)full documentation
Car delivered new to New York via Hoffman's dealership; original Kardex sheet confirms August 1956 delivery. Factory specification was white exterior with black interior and matching soft top.
- 1956-08-01 → 1992US-based owner(s), identity unknownpartial documentation
Car remained in the United States and was reportedly driven at several prominent racing venues during this period before being exported to Germany in 1992.
- 1993-11-01 →Private saleHans Reuterpartial documentation
Purchased after the car was brought into Germany; commissioned a full restoration during which the original Type 547/1 engine was retained. At some stage the colour scheme was changed to red over tan.
- → 2014-05-01Acquisition unknownUK-based owner(s), identity unknownpartial documentation
Car arrived in the UK in the late 1990s; during this ownership a bare-metal respray returned it to the original white finish, the interior was retrimmed in red, and a set of rare Rudge wheels was fitted.
- 2014-05-01 →Private saleConsigning collectorpartial documentation
Described as a collector of notable road and competition cars; arranged comprehensive specialist maintenance including an engine-out service by Maxted-Page in May 2022.
Competition
- —Sebring International Raceway event(s)
Car reportedly participated in competition at Sebring while under US ownership; specific date, year, and result are not recorded in the source.
- —Daytona banking event(s)
Car reportedly raced on the Daytona banking during its American years; no further detail on date or outcome is provided.
- —Riverside circuit event(s)
Car reportedly contested events at Riverside during its time in the US; exact year and result are unrecorded.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2022ServiceMaxted-Page
A thorough maintenance session was performed, comprising an engine-out service, full recommissioning of the brakes and suspension, and an overhaul of the fuel system, after which the car passed an MoT inspection.
The associated invoice totalling £15,191 is held on file and available for inspection.
- —Restoration
A comprehensive restoration was undertaken at the instigation of Hans Reuter following his acquisition of the car in late 1993. The original Type 547/1 engine was retained throughout, and at some stage the colour scheme was changed from white to red with a tan interior.
Exact date of completion is not stated. Retention of the original four-cam engine is highlighted as a particularly significant aspect of this work.
- —Bodywork
The car received a full bare-metal respray reverting the exterior to its original factory white colour, and the interior was retrimmed in its current red finish.
Carried out during the car's UK ownership period, believed to be sometime after the late 1990s.
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