1 of 151 Factory-built 1955 Porsche Carrera Speedster Cabriolet Crosses the Block at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale Auction

Scottsdale, AZ. (Jan 7, 2010) -- This 1955 Porsche Speedster is the 3rd of just 151 Factory-built Carrera Speedsters and is one of the earliest examples known to survive. This Carrera Speedster was built in December, 1955 and was completed and issued a certificate of origin on January 4, 1956. This type of stellar automobile is a direct result of Russo and Steele’s All Reserve All the Time platform. This particular automobile will be sold at the 10th Anniversary Auction January 20-24, 2010.

In the fall of 1955, Porsche experimented with seven 'pre-production' Carrera Speedsters fitted with various 'four-cam' engines and other modifications. This was done in order to test the idea of a limited production run of cars that would be made available to select clients. The first of these was completed on September 14th, 1955. The second 'prototype' was built in November with the remaining five being built in early December. Shortly thereafter, a limited run of just eight 'production' Carrera Speedsters were assembled in the final weeks of December 1955. As already noted, this particular car was the 3rd of these completed.

Externally, the only real visual difference between this car and the regular production Speedsters was the small 'Carrera' script on the sides of the front wings or fenders and another found centrally on the rear of the car. The main difference of course, is the engine, which instead of being a low horsepower push-rod unit, is instead one of the ultra-rare high output Type 547/1 four-cam units. Following its importation and sale by Max Hoffman and a succession of racing owners, the car was eventually placed in long-term storage until was tracked down by the marque expert, Wayne Baker of San Diego, California in August 1991.

Baker had been on the hunt for nearly 10 years for the right car for a very special engine he had purchased in the early '80s. Back in those days, coming across an 'orphaned' Carrera Four-Cam motor was nowhere near as rare as it is today. Baker had acquired the very first Type 547/1 356/A 1500 GS Carrera Speedster engine ever built and fitted to one of these cars. This was engine No P'90565* and was originally fitted to a 356A Carrera Speedster with chassis No 82012. This Carrera Speedster and engine combination was sequentially completed five cars after our subject vehicle. Baker had found the right car for his engine. Luck was even more on his side as after arriving at his 'Personalized Autohaus' restoration facility in San Diego, where the car was fully evaluated and found to be extremely original. The car had clearly been a racer its entire life with little to no street use. As such, the car had all its original panels, floorboards, rockers, longitudinals, battery-box, etc., completely-intact with no sign or corrosion or rust anywhere. The front and rear bonnets, as well as the doors, all had stamped in them the numbers '079' indicating that they were original from this Carrera Speedster with chassis No 81079.

With far too many projects, Baker placed his new find back into storage along with the engine. It would remain that way for the next 12 years until he agreed to the sale of the car to Porsche 356 aficionados, Skip Shirley and Tom Davidson. With input from both Wayne and Skip, the car was methodically and meticulously restored over a five year period. Mechanical repairs and updates to the engine and gearbox internals were meticulously applied and fully documented.

This car has participated in both the Colorado Grand and the California Mille without fault or incident. To date, these tours represent the only mileage on this exquisite 'pre-A' Speedster since the entire restoration was completed in 2005.

The tenth anniversary celebration will be held at Russo and Steele’s traditional auction site located at the intersection of the loop 101 freeway and North Scottsdale Road. In honor of this momentous occasion, Russo and Steele is inviting everyone out whether you are a bidder, consignor or fellow enthusiasts for what is going to be the biggest celebration in Scottsdale this January 20-24, 2010. Check the Russo and Steele website for updates and additional information.

For additional information or images please contact Stephanie Quinn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 602.252.2697.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its two auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, and Monterey, California in August. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.



For more information, contact:
Stephanie Quinn
Phone: (602) 252-2697
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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