1989 Porsche 911 Speedster

The original Porsche 356 Speedster was built between 1954 and 1957. It was a less-expensive model and more a pure driver's car. The 1989 Carrera Speedster continued that tradition. It endured a long and difficult gestation, which began in 1983 with a stillborn prototype developed by Porsche's senior engineer, Helmuth Bott. In 1986, the idea was revived by Porsche President Peter W. Schutz, who contributed to the design of a second concept Speedster on a 911SC platform. In 1987, Porsche introduced a pre-production version at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was not, however, the car they sold. For 1989, the 911 underwent its first true redesign since 1963. It was now able to accommodate both safety and emissions requirements, as well as modern luxury and convenience accouterments. Yet Speedster production went ahead, with the existing 3.2 Carrera engine under the hood.

Porsche offered two versions, a narrow body and a more Turbo-look wide body that had flared fenders. The Speedsters received a wraparound removable windscreen and a single-layer light emergency folding top, which was stored under a color-keyed fiberglass tonneau behind the driver.

Porsche produced a total of 2,104 911 Speedsters, including 830 wide bodies for the United States.

This example has the optional air conditioning system and a Blaupunkt Charleston stereo. It has the lowered Speedster seats, short shifter, and limited-slip differential. It has a complete tool kit, Cashmere Beige full leather interior, and a black exterior.

The engine is an all-aluminum air-cooled single overhead cam flat-six with a DME Motronic 2 electronic fuel injection system. There is a five-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with four-piston aluminum calipers.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014