Porsche 356 A Speedster

Chassis 84114 is a 1958 356 A Speedster, the lightweight open Porsche developed at the urging of US importer Max Hoffman. It was delivered new to America through Hoffman Motors of New York in Ruby Red, and the original sales invoice from its April 1958 retail sale in Los Angeles is still on file.

Its ownership history is unusually clear. After passing through well-known Porsche hands in California, it was swapped in 1987 with Crosthwaite & Gardiner founder Dick Crosthwaite for a Brabham BT14 racing car, then came to the UK. It has stayed with the same owner since.

Crosthwaite & Gardiner restored it between 2008 and 2010, with bodywork and paint by Roger Bray. The original 1600cc Type 616/1 engine was removed and kept, and the car now runs a rebuilt 1720cc engine. It appeared at several concours events from 2012 to 2015. Later additions include a ZF steering box, GT-specification front brake drums and rare Rudge wheels. It comes with a full hood, side screens, tonneau cover and a history file, and is left-hand drive with UK registration.