Legendary car importer Max Hoffman watched as Americans snapped up Porsche’s 356 but he knew that the small, four-cylinder sporting car would resonate even better with sun-loving West Coast buyers if a droptop version was available. He approached Ferry Porsche with the idea and by late 1950, Sauter built a running prototype that would go on to be called the American Roadster. Hoffman liked the idea but Porsche himself thought it was too heavy to be a viable competitor in the burgeoning road-racing scene in the U.S. He instead specified aluminum, which bumped its price to a hefty $4,600. Though it was a better performance car than its Jaguar XK 120 rival, a mere 17 were built.

Ferry Porsche was not keen on another lightened 356, but Hoffman was. He suggested instead a simplified version of the 356 Cabriolet—one without full weather gear, with a lowered, raked, and removable windshield, and with a basic interior with bucket seats. Even a heater and tachometer were listed as options to keep the car’s price below $3,000.

Hoffman and Porsche engineer Albert Prinzing collaborated on what would soon be known as the Speedster, and Ferry Porsche gave the car a green light. It proved an immediate hit in the western U.S., just as Hoffman had predicted, and it set the tone for lightweight Porsches to come.

The 356 A Speedster offered here was built in the spring of 1958 according to a copy of its factory Kardex and is believed to have been a southwestern U.S. car for its entire life, a fate that preserved its Reutter-built body. It was uncovered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1975 and was kept under the care of a long-term owner since 1979.

A recent, extensive restoration brought the 356 A back to its original glory. It is painted in its correct, striking Silver metallic (code 5706) over red synthetic leather upholstery. The Speedster features 4½-in. date-coded wheels wrapped in new Michelin tires over rebuilt brakes powered by a new master cylinder. Restored gauges, new German weave carpeting, rubber floor mats, and seat belts complete its spartan, all-business interior. A new Haartz fabric top, tonneau, and boot cover give it the modest semblance of inclement weather protection that Hoffman envisioned.

The 356 A sports a 1960 1600 engine that was rebuilt with 1,750-cc big-bore pistons and cylinders as well as Weber carburetors. The more powerful engine has about 1,500 miles on it since it was rebuilt. Retaining its original 6-volt power, the 356 A Speedster lives up to its original mission as a simplistic open-top sports car.

A tool kit, jack, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a copy of the factory Kardex are included with the sale.