Speedster: An Iconic Name at Porsche

The new 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will go on sale through the course of this year, and if we haven’t yet pre-ordered one—only 1,948 units will be produced for the world—we should get on the horn pretty quickly.

However, what will likely become a collectable car isn’t the first to wear the Speedster badge, and probably won’t be the last.

In the 50s, U.S. importer of Porsche vehicles Max Hoffman successfully convinced the automaker that there was potential for a stripped-down, light and topless sports car with a cut-down windscreen. The 356 Roadster already existed at the time, but Porsche answered Hoffman’s request by creating, exclusively for the U.S. market, the 356 Speedster at the end of 1954. The same exercise was repeated several times with the 911 over the years. Here’s a quick look at the many generations of the Porsche Speedster.

1948 Porsche 356 No.1
Created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche—son of the founder—after WWII, the 356 No.1 was the prototype that was followed by the 356 series, produced up until 1965.

It’s equipped with a 1,131-cc flat-four engine that develops 40 horsepower, derived from the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand himself during the war, at the request of Adolph Hitler.

This unique car sits comfortably at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Its value is estimated at more than US$10 million. Although it doesn’t wear a Speedster badge, it served as an inspiration for this special series. As a matter of fact, the 2019 911 Speedster’s production count—1,948 units—pays tribute to the 356 No.1.

1948 Porsche 356 No.1
Created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche—son of the founder—after WWII, the 356 No.1 was the prototype that was followed by the 356 series, produced up until 1965.

It’s equipped with a 1,131-cc flat-four engine that develops 40 horsepower, derived from the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand himself during the war, at the request of Adolph Hitler.

This unique car sits comfortably at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Its value is estimated at more than US$10 million. Although it doesn’t wear a Speedster badge, it served as an inspiration for this special series. As a matter of fact, the 2019 911 Speedster’s production count—1,948 units—pays tribute to the 356 No.1.

1948 Porsche 356 No.1
Created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche—son of the founder—after WWII, the 356 No.1 was the prototype that was followed by the 356 series, produced up until 1965.

It’s equipped with a 1,131-cc flat-four engine that develops 40 horsepower, derived from the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand himself during the war, at the request of Adolph Hitler.

This unique car sits comfortably at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Its value is estimated at more than US$10 million. Although it doesn’t wear a Speedster badge, it served as an inspiration for this special series. As a matter of fact, the 2019 911 Speedster’s production count—1,948 units—pays tribute to the 356 No.1.

1948 Porsche 356 No.1
Created by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche—son of the founder—after WWII, the 356 No.1 was the prototype that was followed by the 356 series, produced up until 1965.

It’s equipped with a 1,131-cc flat-four engine that develops 40 horsepower, derived from the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand himself during the war, at the request of Adolph Hitler.

This unique car sits comfortably at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Its value is estimated at more than US$10 million. Although it doesn’t wear a Speedster badge, it served as an inspiration for this special series. As a matter of fact, the 2019 911 Speedster’s production count—1,948 units—pays tribute to the 356 No.1.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1955-1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The first Speedster sold like hotcakes upon its arrival on U.S. soil, especially in the southern states. The first editions were equipped with a 1.3-litre engine, while the 356 A variants that appeared at the end of 1955 relied on a 1.6-litre engine and 59 horsepower. However, its popularity decreased sharply after a few years. A pristine copy of this car can be worth more than US$1 million.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (G Series)
We had to wait 30 years for the Speedster moniker to re-appear on a Porsche car. The first 911 Speedster was equipped with a 3.2-litre flat-six engine, good for 207 horsepower in North America. Only 2,103 units were produced, including 171 that boasted the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1993-1994 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Speedster (964)
In 1989, the Porsche 911 received its first major redesign, and was internally code-named 964. It was more modern, more aerodynamic and more powerful, getting optional all-wheel drive for the first time in addition to an automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode—baptized Tiptronic. This generation of the 911 Speedster housed a 3.6-litre flat-six engine that produced 247 horsepower, and only 930 units were produced. About 20 of these are said to have been built with the 911 Turbo’s wider body.

1995 Porsche 911 Speedster (993)
This car was never produced or sold, and only two units exist. The first one, painted dark green, was offered to Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche—grandson of the founder—as a gift for his 60th birthday. The second one, painted silver, was commissioned for comedian and huge Porsche fan Jerry Seinfeld. Obviously, these cars are worth a fortune.

1995 Porsche 911 Speedster (993)
This car was never produced or sold, and only two units exist. The first one, painted dark green, was offered to Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche—grandson of the founder—as a gift for his 60th birthday. The second one, painted silver, was commissioned for comedian and huge Porsche fan Jerry Seinfeld. Obviously, these cars are worth a fortune.

1995 Porsche 911 Speedster (993)
This car was never produced or sold, and only two units exist. The first one, painted dark green, was offered to Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche—grandson of the founder—as a gift for his 60th birthday. The second one, painted silver, was commissioned for comedian and huge Porsche fan Jerry Seinfeld. Obviously, these cars are worth a fortune.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2011 Porsche 911 Speedster (997)
Launched in the fall of 2010, the 911 Speedster based on the 997 generation of the legendary sports car is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six that produced 402 horsepower. It was only available with a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. This is a rare car, as only 356 units were built.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (991)
On sale during the course of 2019, the latest iteration of the Speedster series gets the 911 GT3’s engine, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503 horsepower. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available in this case.