Named after its internal project number, the type 356 was the very first model to feature the Porsche name and it set the marque off on its path to greatness. In addition to the Coupé and Cabriolet variants initially offered from 1950, the Speedster was introduced in late 1954 as the lightest and most simplistic 356 yet and intended for sunny and dry California. Of all the 356 variants, the Speedster is arguably the most iconic with the Pre-A Speedster being the purest and most sought-after. Where the standard ‘1500’ engine produced 54hp, Porsche also offered an uprated variant of this unit named the ‘1500 Super’ which produced 70hp and is superseded only by the ultra-rare Carrera Speedster with the four-cam ‘Fuhrmann’ engine.

Chassis 80202 was not only born as the more powerful ‘1500 Super’ but it holds a particularly special place in the overall production run of this unmistakable model. It became the second example produced on the dedicated Speedster chassis, which was introduced in the New Year of 1955 and followed on from the first 200 examples that Porsche produced using modified Cabriolet chassis in late 1954. With just 150 of the 1,234 Pre-A Speedsters specified with the ’1500 Super’ engine, this example is not only exceedingly rare, but it marks a turning point in the expanding production output as the very first on the dedicated Speedster chassis.

An excellent example that presents incredibly well throughout, its restoration by marque specialists in recent years included the re-building of a period-correct 1500 unit to ‘Super’ specification. Presented in a very desirable colour combination, the car has been freshly prepared for sale by model experts Roger Bray. It is mechanically ‘on the button’ and is eligible for all the great motoring events, including the Mille Miglia.

The car comes complete with its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of its Kardex, a dedicated history file and rare side windows.