All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Auctions

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD

At the 2023 Monterey Car Week, an exhibition of vintage cars from around the world was held, and some of them were auctioned after the exhibition. The star of the event was a 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD.

The Porsche 356 is the Stuttgart-based company’s first production car, and this car is powered by a 1.6L Air Cooled Flat-4 engine with a factory 60 hp (45 kW) and 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) of torque. It is one of 1,171 examples that were produced until 1957. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer reads 18,860 miles.

It is finished in original Rot (red) over Leder Schwarz (black leather) upholstery. It is equipped with a Speedster body by Reutter, very rare Rudge knock-off wheels, red upholstery piping, a black soft top and matching tonneau cover, a “1950-1955 German Sportscar Champion” Meister Shaften dash badge, VDO instruments including the speedometer, tachometer and oil-temperature gauge, front and rear bumper over-riders, and pre-1957 style tail lights.

The car was part of the collection for 30 years, and the new owner received the vehicle with a driver’s manual, maintenance records and a copy of the factory Kardex production record.

Source: Mecum

Gallery:

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for $335,000 USD
News

Honda Prelude Could Be Back Soon

In 1978, Honda introduced its first car with a moonroof, the Honda Prelude. This two-door coupe was used by the Japanese manufacturer to introduce its sales chain, the Honda Verno. It was produced until 2001, when production was stopped with the arrival of the fourth-generation Integra. Now, 22 years later, there is a possible comeback of this car.

According to the latest information and speculations, Honda seems to be making a comeback, as the company trademarked the name Prelude. If we look at it with optimism, we can start to wonder if the Japanese manufacturer is really preparing the return of this iconic model.

There are many questions, but few answers. Many are wondering if it will remain a coupe with an internal combustion engine or will it become an SUV with an electric drive? So far, Honda has not made any announcements.

Following the competition, Honda must start producing new or return old models as fully electric. Currently, the Japanese manufacturer has announced the arrival of its first all-electric car, the Honda Prologue, which is expected to hit the market next year.

Honda previously announced that the company’s long-term plan is to produce a Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) lineup by 2040. That may be too late considering that competitors have announced a transition to all-electric cars by 2030. Ten years is a long time, but maybe Honda has an ace up its sleeve.

Source: Best Car Web

Auctions

1957 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is up for auction

The Porsche 356 is one of the most collectible cars from the Stuttgart-based company. It was produced in four versions, and in 1955 Porsche introduced the second racing version, the 356A. Two years later, the road legal 356A Speedster (known as Type 2) arrived on the market. One of them, a 1957 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is up for auction.

The 356A Carrera GT Speedster is powered by a replacement 1.5L four-cam engine with 109 hp (81 kW), paired with a four-speed manual transmission. That’s enough power to reach 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). It is mounted on 15-inch alloy wheels with steel centers wrapped in 175/70 R15 Avon tires.

This car was restored in 1988 when it was painted in Silver Metallic and is in excellent condition. It is equipped with 60-millimeter ventilated front brakes, rear wheel spacers, 80-liter GT fuel tank, replacement gearbox. The interior contains the original panels, doors, decklid, and lightweight GT interior, with new floors, battery box, and rockers.

In 2019, the car has been treated to a thorough mechanical freshening by Speed Sport Tuning of Danbury, Connecticut, which cost $50,000. This included a professional conversion of the engine to full-synthetic motor oil, as well as timing, carburetor, and brake adjustments.

The car comes with a Blaupunkt jack and tool roll, a rare “Touring” kit containing cables, bulbs, fuses, and gaskets, uninstalled rollbar, “Atlantis” braided tow rope in a correct blue vinyl storage bag, period-correct driver’s manual with Carrera supplement , factory Kardex, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

This collectible Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is offered at RM Sotheby’s. Price upon request.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1957 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is up for auction
1957 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is up for auction