The Speedster variant of the 356 was introduced in 1954, featuring a low-raked windscreen, bucket seats, and easily operated soft top. Directed towards the Southern California market, the Speedster offered a stripped-down, lightweight variation of the 356. With a more affordable starting price and a driver-oriented experience, it was an immediate hit for enthusiasts. In 1988, Porsche resurrected the concept when it introduced the 911 Speedster to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 911. Just 2,065 examples were built. After its success, the Speedster model was once again introduced in 1993 for the Type 964 generation with a run of 1,050 units.
With each, the lightweight, manually operated top takes center stage and highlights the philosophy introduced by the original 356 Speedster – a no-frills, top-down, high-performance driving experience. Launched in 2019, the Type 991 generation still held true to the original formula, while keeping up with modern rivals. The “double bubble” carbon fiber-reinforced plastic tonneau holds a manually adjustable fabric roof, and its only transmission offering was a six-speed manual – a true rarity in a market full of ultra-quick shifting automatic gearboxes. This time around, performance was notably improved, as it packed the GT3’s 4.0-liter flat-six, coupled with its celebrated 9,000 rpm redline, meaning 0–60 mph arrived in just 3.9 seconds. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes and chassis technology such as Porsche Torque Vectoring borrowed from the GT3 complete the package.
One of just 1,948 built, the example offered here was dispatched to Porsche of Downtown Los Angeles in September 2019. Shortly after, it was delivered to noted Porsche collector Stanley Gold, who was in the midst of assembling a collection of Speedsters – one example for every year of production. Finished in Racing Yellow and equipped with a black soft top and black center-lock wheels, the interior is well specified with its bucket seats finished in black leather and lined in yellow contrast stitching. The theme is enhanced by Racing Yellow seat belts and extended stitching continues onto the steering wheel, shift boot, and dashboard. Other notable options include Bose Surround Sound System, LED headlights in black with Porsche Dynamic Light System, and an extended-range fuel tank.
Now, nearly four years after delivery, this 911 Speedster presents remarkably well, showing just 1,912 miles at the time of cataloguing. It is accompanied by its original window sticker, owner’s manuals, and CARFAX Vehicle History Report. Although the era of analog supercars may be behind us, the 911 Speedster reminds us that cutting-edge performance features can coalesce with heritage technology to create something special. Offered from a significant Porsche collection, the opportunity to experience the coveted 911 Speedster should not be missed.
2019 
