Porsche unveiled the latest version of its iconic 911 Speedster to help celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2018. Only 1,948 would be built , commemorating the year company founder Ferdinand Porsche built his first two-seat roadster in Austria.
The first true Speedster was created in the mid-Fifties at the behest of Porsche’s American distributor, Max Hoffman, who requested a basic, low-cost sports car to better compete with British and Italian rivals in the showroom and on the racetrack. The 356 Speedster proved a tremendous success. Fewer than 3,700 were produced from 1954 through 1958, after which it was succeeded by the more civilized Convertible D and then the 356 Roadster.
In 1989 Porsche unveiled an updated Speedster based on the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, but with a cut-down windshield, minimal fabric top, and fiberglass tonneau. Only 2,065 examples were produced. Then, in late 1993, Porsche marked the end of the updated type-964 platform with a run of 1,050 Speedsters.
The 2019 type-991 Speedster is essentially a 911 GT3 with a 911 Cabriolet body shell. It features extensive use of carbon-fiber, including for the front trunk lid, front fenders, doors, engine cover, and interior trim. As with previous versions, the windshield and glass were shortened to lend a sleeker appearance. A double-humped tonneau of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic blends smoothly into the rear deck, concealing the rear portion of the interior and the fabric top when stowed.
The example offered here was sold new in Canada in November of 2019 and remains remarkably well-preserved with less than 400 miles showing on the odometer. Finished in exquisite “paint to sample” Maritime Blue and equipped with a black soft-top, its interior is exceptionally well-coordinated with the optional Black Leather Interior Package, additional leather coverings for the dashboard and steering column, and blue contrast stitching throughout.
To further enhance the motif, the air-vent slats and climate-control panel have been painted blue. Desirable factory upgrades include the extended-range fuel tank, Chrono Package, illuminated door-sill guards in carbon fiber, Bose Surround Sound System, and LED headlights in black with Porsche Dynamic Light System. Black 20-inch, center-lock GT3 wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes enhance the driving dynamics and visual appeal. A ceramic coating and paint protection film have been applied throughout the bodywork, according to the consignor.
Equipped with the coveted six-speed manual transaxle for ultimate mechanical gratification, this 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is an exceptional find, given its rarity, unique color combination, numerous factory upgrades, and exceptionally low miles. Whether kept cloistered away as a prized collection piece, or enjoyed with abandon on the open road, it will remain among the most coveted Porsches ever produced for lifetimes to come.