Highlights
- Impeccable condition from both a mechanical and exterior perspective
- Engine stripped and rebuilt
- Repainted in excellent Aquamarine blue
- Covered just under 3500 miles since built
The Appeal
The Porsche 356, a car that simply exudes class. Hailing as Porsche’s first production model, the 356 was lightweight, nimble and an excellent performer. The model did an excellent job of cementing the marque as a maker of truly excellent sports cars, and as such the model still commands legendary status to this day, and as such, prices of genuine cars are at something of an astronomical level. It is for this reason that the ever popular replica 356 scene presents such an interesting and exciting opportunity.
Combining the simply exquisite styling of the Porsche 356 with more modern engineering and build quality, replica 356s offer all of the benefits of the real thing at a far more attainable level, and the example we see here is of course no exception to this notion.
VIG 8254 was built by famed Porsche replica specialists Universal Products of South Africa in 2014 using the chassis & modified floorpan from a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle. The car presents in absolutely marvellous condition inside and out and looks every part the Porsche 356. Painted in Porsche aquamarine blue it garners great attention and appreciation with many believing it to be a genuine 356 Speedster.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 2014 using a 1973 Beetle as the base
- Originated in South Africa
- Imported to the UK in 2018
- Prior owner commissioned an extensive restoration and rebuild process circa 2018
- Large and extensive history file accompanies the car
- Fully UK registered and on pressed period black number plates
- Tax and MOT exempt due to historic status
2014 saw the creation of this particular 356 replica. Built by famed Porsche replica specialists Universal Products of South Africa. Utilising a Volkswagen Beetle chassis and floor pan which was modified to fit the 356 style body and interior which was placed on top. The build was completed in 2016.
In 2018 the car was purchased by the current owner, a UK buyer who had the vehicle imported and commissioned a full respray and engine rebuild and replacement period correct wiring loom install. Since 2018 a few other pieces have been replaced and upgraded on the car including a new roof.
Amazingly, the car has covered just under 3500 miles since it was built.
The Interior
- Excellent period correct interior
- Presents wonderfully
- Period correct gauges and wood rimmed steering wheel
Unsurprisingly for a low mileage car that has seen such limited usage throughout its lifetime, the cabin of the 356 presents in remarkably clean condition. A testament to the quality of the build done by Universal Products, the interior has held up well and exhibits very little if anything in the way of wear and patina.
Two neat black bucket seats are the centrepiece here and they certainly live up to that job. Great, smart upholstery still rich in colour with good stitching and cushioning, these really do look the part nestled behind the doors of the speedster. A small matching black bench sits behind this and is of an equally great standard.
At the front end one is presented with a marvellous curved dash panel, blending blue paintwork with a great black leather top piece, the dash is nothing short of brilliant, and itself is a wonderful piece of speedster design. To really help the 356 look the part, a collection of period correct gauges, well detailed off with chrome embellishments have been installed alongside some Porsche speedster badging and an utterly excellent wood rimmed steering wheel.
Opening the front panel highlights a well trimmed storage section, coated in quality black carpeting, including a bespoke cover that encases the front mounted fuel tank.
The Exterior
- Repainted in Porsche Aquamarine Blue
- New custom blue mohair convertible top
- Reworked roof frame to improve body line
Equally at home on the road or on display in a museum of fine art, the exterior styling of a Porsche 356, whether it be a coupe or a speedster like we see here, was always one of the car’s strongest points. Sculpted, curved lines galore, the 356 is unquestionably a symphony of automotive design.
Upon its arrival into the UK, one of the first things this particular car was treated to was a full respray. The body was stripped down and finished in an absolutely marvellous coat of period correct Porsche Aquamarine Blue, both helping the car to stand out in its own right, and present as a genuine original example. The blue paint scheme was certainly a great choice as the car now looks its absolute finest.
Resprayed to the highest quality, the paintwork itself is of a great standard and presents as such, with a deep shine engulfing the whole car. To further set the car off, both front and rear bumpers have been finished in the same blue with contrasting chrome overriders fitted at both ends.
All of the trim, including the aforementioned bumpers, and the smart collection of period Porsche Speedster badging dotted around the vehicle is in the great shape one would come to expect of a low mileage car built to this high standard.
Whilst the 356 speedster is more commonly associated with open top looks, they do come with a convertible top, and the one on this example is a very good one indeed. Replaced recently with a new blue mohair piece with cream lining, the roof is in impeccable shape, and is accompanied by two new side screens. At this time, the physical frame for the roof was reworked in order to lower the roofline and give the car a more sleek appearance.
At ground level sit four excellent grey steel wheels with equally great smooth chrome hubcaps.
The Mechanics
- Great useable 1600cc engine
- Engine stripped and rebuilt
- Running on disc brakes
More high quality is the order of the day at the business end of the speedster. Opening the rear decklid one is presented with a smart and clean 1600cc four cylinder engine.
Perspective buyers of the speedster will be pleased to learn that the current owner of the car commissioned an extensive rebuild upon its arrival into the UK. It was removed from the vehicle at which point it was stripped down, and rebuilt using new pistons and bores, at the same time a new clutch was fitted to the car. Alongside this work, the full wiring loom was renewed to exact 1957 Porsche specification and correct wiring colours.
The chassis used on this particular example is a great one, Universal Products utilise the floorpan and the chassis from a 1973 convertible beetle which was shortened and modified to accommodate the speedster body. The chassis and floor being fully stripped and sand blasted then finished in a protective coating.
As a result of the extensive rebuild work, the 356 now presents spectacularly from a mechanical perspective. Having covered just under 3500 miles since it was built, everything appears to be of a good clean solid nature, and is ready to be enjoyed for many worry free years to come.
On the road the car is reported to provide a wonderful drive, still light, nimble and rewarding like the originals. The car gauges much interest and adoration from the general public and car enthusiasts alike, with most people believing it to be a genuine 356 Speedster.
Summary
Sweet Porsche styling, design and dynamics at a far more attainable price, what's not to like about that?
What we have here is a truly remarkable Porsche 356 speedster replica, boasting a rebuilt engine, fresh Porsche paint and a horde of period correct features, this is one that wants for nothing and will make a perfect summer classic for the upcoming summer months.
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