Cars of Coolhaven

Oh boy! This is one of the cars of my really short-shortlist to spot. The Porsche 356 Speedster is a true pleasure to the eye, and my all time favorite vintage Porsche. Just look at it! If there is ever a car which could claim the phrase ‘poetry in motion’, this Speedster would be the one… Born with the sunny Californian summers in mind, this is truly a lovely car to look at.

Unfortunately, though, this is a replica. It is a transferred Volkswagen Beetle. Granted, the original designs were based on a VW as well , but Ferdinand Porsche quickly began to improve the specs to make it a better performing car.

Quoting from Wikipedia: Convertibles were offered from the start, and in the early 1950′s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. The best-known convertible model is the 356 “Speedster”, introduced in late 1954 after Max Hoffman, the sole US importer of Porsches, advised the company that a lower-cost, open-top version could sell well in the American market. With its low, raked windshield (which could be removed for weekend racing), bucket seats and minimal folding top, the Speedster was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. Production of the Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957 and then started to decline. It was replaced in late 1958 by the “Convertible D” model. It featured a taller, more practical windshield, glass side windows and more comfortable seats. The following year the 356B “Roadster” convertible replaced the D model but the sports car market’s love affair with top-down motoring was fading; soft-top 356 model sales declined significantly in the early 60′s.

Basically, I don’t really care that it is a replica. I would have been over the moon to spot the real deal, but this is still one beautiful car to look at!