The Official 356Talk Forum

Hello out there;
Where could I locate a complete list of the remaining 1954/1955 Pre-A Speedsters??
Any historical information on these cars would also be appreciated.
Primarily interested in VIN #'s 80001 - 80130.
Thx,
Bob

Hi Bob,
Maybe this will help get the ball rolling with some info on Speedster #1:
I don't remember which history of Speedsters reference book this is from, but someone will recognize it - or you may know.

This is a post by Sam Hornsby on the Pelican Parts forum; probably in the late 80s. Eldon was a dear friend of mine, and I met Sam once or twice through Eldon but I never met Bob. I have a few photos of Speedster #1 that Eldon shot at Road Atlanta - probably in the 70s or 80s. I saw Eldon's #03 (as he referred to it) many times in his shop along with his eclectic collection of classic Fords, early MGs and other 356s. Eldon passed away in 1993 while he was restoring my '55 Continental coupe. According to mutual friends in the Ft. Walton Beach area #03 never turned up after his death. Gordon Maltby published a very nice piece in the Registry 17-3. In addition to 'running with the big dogs' Eldon was also fond of "If it's steel - it's real" and this was on his business cards.

Good luck!

Hi Bob

You can methodically enter those VIN's you are interested in into the VIN database and if you get hits e-mail the owners and ask if they are willing to share info.

Curt

Hi Bob,

What Curt said. Also, if you have one of these early cars, then you need to get a copy of the Heinrichs/Stoddard/Zingg et al. book Speedster Typ 540. It is one of the best books on 356 history, and it has two full chapters on the development of the Speedster, including lots of information about the early pre-production ones, factory photos and drawings.

Also, if there's anything specific you want to ask, ask away. Don Zingg (the author of those chapters) posts here regularly.

Also, feel free to tell us about your car!

Bob- Were you the lucky buyer of 80087 which was on ebay this week? Looked to be a very nice, original car. If so, congratulations.

George

George/all;
Thanks for the positive responses.
Yes, Don and I have made contact - he seems like a nice guy and an excellent resourse of historical information.
And, yes again, I will get a copy of "Speedster Typ 540".
The car actually blew me away when I initially saw it.
It was far more than I could have ever imagined.
Can't believe she's been virtually sitting around since the late '60's and in a dry climate all its life.
Will post additional detalis/pictures/etc. once I get her home and everything gets settled.
Look forward to taking her to Monterey in August.
Regards,
Bob

Cool Bob. Car sounds great!

Two other excellent books with lots of Speedster and pre-A content:

Dirk-Michael Conradt, "Porsche 356: Driving in Its Pure Form"
Frank Jung, "Porsche 356 by Reutter"

The former has tons of historical documents from Porsche the period reproduced concerning the development of the 356. The later has even more documents and period photos from Reutter during the pre-A period. Both are excellent and worth getting.

Bob, I have a 55 speedster #80681 which I bought in 1965 in Portland Oregon right before I graduated from High school.

George