1971 Volkswagen 356 Speedster Evocation Beetle-based

Highlights

• Beautifully executed Porsche 356 evocation

• Twin carburettors fitted

• Excellent red interior trim

• Highly polished wheels 

• Extremely clean underneath

Overview

The Porsche 356 Speedster was introduced in 1954, and allowed owners to enjoy simple, pared back motoring without compromising on flair or rakishness. It proved particularly suited to sunny climes and went on to sell just shy of 5,000 units. 

This low production number means that there aren’t many Speedsters available for us to enjoy today. So to overcome this issue of supply and demand, a previous owner of this car decided to have one made. This process took a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle and re-bodied it to create an achingly beautiful ‘wide body’ 365 Speedster evocation. 

The result is a fabulously stylish car, which is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Finished in a beautiful shade of Ivory, with contrasting red interior and hood, the conversion was clearly very well executed. And it hasn’t seen much use since, with almost no signs of use on the interior, and only a few light scratches to the paint. 

So if you’re looking for a 356 Speedster, then this replica might be just what you need. It’s not so rare and original that you’d be scared to take it out of the garage, so you can actually enjoy driving it. Especially with that sculpted body and beautifully trimmed interior. 

In fact, it’s a real tribute to the involvement of Ferdinand Porsche in the design of the VW Beetle. The 356 was clearly closely related to the Beetle in its proportions, with this replica looking well proportioned and retaining a very pleasing line. Even when you’re not driving it, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had just looking at it.

History and documentation

• Declared manufactured in 1971, first registered overseas

• Registered in the UK Oct 1981

• The seller tells us that they purchased the car in Dublin in 2022

• Registered as a blue Volkswagen Beetle saloon

• There are sadly no records of the car’s conversion into a Porsche 356 replica 

• Registered as having a 1,284 cc engine

• One set of keys

• MOT and road tax exempt 

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Superbly crafted interior trim

• Red upholstery with matching red carpets 

• The seat covers are in almost-new condition, and appear to have hardly been used

• Similarly excellent carpets, and fitted footwell mats 

• Manual seat adjusters

• Red trim continues onto the door cards, which are free from scuffs and marks 

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel 

• Body coloured dashboard 

• ‘Speedster’ badge on dashboard, in front of passenger seat 

• Analogue instruments

• Toggle switches and choke pull on the dashboard

• Small load area behind the seats 

• The cabin is cosy with the roof raised

• Shallow front boot, with red carpet 

Exterior

• Beautiful flowing lines

• Skilfully executed design rendered in glass fibre

• Finished in an attractive shade of ivory paint

• Smooth, minimal, one-piece body

• The body panels remain in excellent condition throughout 

• Similarly, the paint is very well presented, with only a few small scratches 

• A few stone chips in the wheel arches have been painted in

• No obvious dents or damage 

• Brightly polished 15-inch alloy wheels, with matching hubcaps 

• Matching set of Nankang tyres, said to be new

• Wheels free from scuffs and kerb damage

• Porsche badge on chrome bonnet strip 

• Headlights clear and bright, with chrome bezels

• Teardrop-shaped rear light clusters

• Soft top roof in red to match the interior trim

• The vendor tells us that they don’t have the removable side windows, but they do have the hardtop 

• The underside of the car is very clean and tidy

• Twin, centrally mounted exhaust tips

Mechanical

• Registered as a 1,284 cc four-cylinder VW engine

• The engine bay is extremely clean 

• The vendor tells us that the engine has been replaced

• We are unsure exactly what work was undertaken

• Twin carburettors 

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Underneath, the suspension and exhaust components are very tidy

• The exhaust system is beautifully crafted 

• The seller tells us that the car sounds great, revs well, and changes gear smoothly

• No mechanical issues reported 

Summary

Most replicas look somehow slightly off, or a tad out of proportion. But not this 356. Its lines flow beautifully from front to rear, with that swooping body testament to the artistic eye of its designers. So bid now if you’d like to put this piece of automotive artwork in your garage. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Essex.