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The Porsche Speedster

 
The Porsche Speedster, known as the 356A/1600, was produced from 1955 to 1959.

It was very similar looking to previous models of the 356 range that came out in 1954 but this new 356A now had a larger engine of 1600 cc, a curved windshield and a very new and updated suspension.

This rear-engine air-cooled sports car has become an icon of the Porsche range and truly was the starting point for the history of Porsche.

When the 356A appeared it was the first road-going Porsche to offer the Carrera four-cam engine as an option. With its four-speed manual transmission it reached a peak of production in 1957 with just over 1,170 cars produced before production gradually began to decline.

The Speedster models have become some of the most desirable and it remains a highly regarded collector car, with some reaching prices above US$800,000. Over the past 25 years, replica models of the 356A have become very popular.

It was capable of a maximum top speed of 110 mph, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 13.5 seconds, and had a curb weight of 820 kg.

Only half of the cars produced in the 356 range are thought to have survived, thus making them very attractive models for investment, in particular the Speedster.

The Speedster has provided over 60 years of open-top driving pleasure for enthusiasts and was very popular initially in the USA as it was low-priced, attracting the attention of even such a Hollywood icon as James Dean, who had a very purist model simply for the pleasure of driving it.

As recent as 1988, a Speedster variant was introduced in the 911 series, to act as the highlight for the discontinued G model generation, and a total of 2,103 were produced. Over the years, other Speedster models have emerged, but the iconic 50s generation remains the most sought-after.

If you are in the market for something like this then one of our recent clients, O'Kane Lavers in the UK, may have just what you need. Take a look at this 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster here:

https://www.classicmotorsforsale.com/home/cars/1-cars/81303-1958-porsche-356a-speedster

A 1956 Porsche Speedster Replica can be found at one of our USA dealers, GR Auto Gallery:

https://www.classicmotorsforsale.com/home/cars/1-cars/79594-1956-porsche-356-speedster-replica

If you are a dealer looking to get your stock in front of a worldwide audience then please contact us to discuss one of the many advertising options we have available. We have just had a record 3 months with the highest number of site visitors, car sales, and clients signing up for 12 years, so now is a great time to join us. 

 
Classic Motors For Sale offers a powerful, market-leading route to target global owners, collectors and enthusiasts of classic and historic cars. To discuss and explore opportunities regarding advertising please contact me. 
 
Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

 

 

 

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing – The Ultimate Dream

Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes produced a coupe with very distinctive top-hinged, upswinging doors, known as the "gullwing". Its unique design and sheer power was a real head-turner for sports car lovers, and back in 1999, it was voted as Sports Car of the Century by a jury of trade journalists.

It was originally aimed at the American market where, in February 1954, it made its debut at the International Motor Sports Show in New York – and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) was born, with production starting in August of the same year.

This sports car had grace, elegance, and innovation, being the world's first four-stroke production passenger car to feature direct fuel injection. It was lightweight too, in fact, it was later revealed that the SL stood for "super light" in German.

This two-seater sports car was produced for just 3 years, after which a roadster was produced for the next 6 years. The Gullwing was capable of a top speed of 161 mph, 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, and was a sports car champion and the fastest production car of its time. This 300 SL coupe with its 3.0-litre engine dominated the D production class and won titles in both 1955 and 1956 on the American national sports car circuits.

There was European racing success too, including the 1955 Rally Championship, the overall title at the 1955 Mille Miglia (actually won by Stirling Moss in a 300 SLR racing car), and the marathon Liege-Rome-Liege rally in both 1955 and 1956, to name just a few.

With a tubular frame of just 50 kilograms on a steel chassis and body, and many parts such as the bonnet, doors, dashboard and boot lid made from aluminium, the car was very light, with storage space for luggage behind the seats and not in the boot, which housed a spare wheel and fuel tank. Silver-grey was the standard colour on initial production models but other colours were available as options, with the most recognisable feature being, of course, the specially designed doors.

Today, there are not too many of these iconic cars about. Only 1400 were produced back in the mid-50s, so if they come onto the market the price is usually at least $1 million US dollars – regardless of condition.

At the recent Scottsdale auction organised by RM Sotheby’s (January 2022), a 1955 Mercedes-Benz “alloy” Gullwing went for the stunning price of $6.825 million US dollars. The car was, naturally, in top condition, and said to have retained the original body, chassis, engine, and was complete with a detailed history. This special alloy version was one of only 29 made, where the car’s standard steel bodywork was replaced with aluminium, making it even lighter.

As one of the most iconic and recognisable cars ever built, the Gullwing remains high on the list of most desired collector cars out there.

To discuss and explore opportunities to reach, target and engage with our global audience please contact me. 
 
Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | +44(0) 2392 160 809 |This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |  www.classicmotorsforsale.com|