The Porsche 911 Speedster has remained one of the firm’s most desirable models of the modern era. Its combination of exclusivity, sleek styling, and the thrill of open-air motoring add infinite appeal to the distinguished model. The model made its debut in 1989, marking 25 years since the introduction of its 356 namesake.
Originally planned to coincide with the introduction of the 964-generation 911, expedience dictated that the car would be built on the 3.2 Carrera platform. Though a small number of narrow-body examples were built, the lion’s share of production borrowed front wings, rear quarter panels, and its chunky Fuchs alloy wheels from the top-of-the-range Turbo. However, the most notable feature of the aggressive, purposeful design was the frameless windscreen, which was both steeply raked and lower than that in the Carrera. The rear seats were dispensed with in favour of a storage compartment, while the roof—such as it was—was only intended for use in lightly inclement weather.
Beneath the striking new bodywork, the Speedster was fitted with the same 3.2-litre air-cooled flat-six that powered its Carrera sister model, with power going to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag G50 transaxle. With less weight to carry than its 3.2 Carrera and Cabriolet stablemates, the Speedster made the most of the 231 horsepower available.
The car offered here was completed on 19 June 1989, and is one of just 2,104 examples that comprised the limited one-year production run. Records show that it was originally finished in Guards Red over a black cashmere and leather interior, and was specified with air conditioning, cruise control, a “Charleston” radio, electrically adjustable seats, and a short-shift gear lever. The rear storage compartment would be trimmed in velour.
Chassis 173596 was destined for the United States, with invoices on file suggesting that the car was based near San Diego, California by 1998. By October 1999 it was in the care of an enthusiast in Irvine, California; invoices for new tyres and minor repairs suggest it was still in his ownership by March 2003. On 20 February 2008 the car was sold by Victory Motorcars of Houston, Texas prior to being exported to Germany. The car now forms part of The Carrera Collection.
Since arriving from the US 15 years ago, this Porsche 911 Speedster has covered less than 100 miles, and at the time of cataloguing its odometer read 41,929 miles. Finished in Guards Red over a tan leather interior, this well-presented car is a fine example of a rare model, and would make a fine addition to any collection of Stuttgart’s greats.
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