Drawing heavily from the Gläser-built 356 America of 1953—and even keeping the Type 540 designation—the now-legendary, Reutter-built Speedster arrived in 1954. Its creation was largely driven by Porsche’s U.S. importer, Max Hoffman, who clearly understood American buyers and persuaded the factory to produce models tailored specifically to that market. Built to meet a strict price point and deliberately stripped back, the Speedster delivered a raw, affordable driving experience that was simple, engaging, and unmistakably Porsche.
Alongside the standard 356 range, the Speedster gained a 1.6-liter engine and quickly earned a strong reputation on American racetracks, backed by a youthful, forward-looking image. Porsche refined the formula with improved carburetion, ZF worm-and-lever steering, and a series of mechanical updates that steadily advanced the 356’s engineering while moving the brand further away from its Volkswagen-derived beginnings.
As highlighted by this POV drive review from Tedward on YouTube, the Speedster’s appeal is simple: top down, open air, minimal distractions. Inside, it’s bare and airy—no console, nothing extra. Starting it is old-school: key, choke with adjustable lock, a touch of throttle, neutral, and it fires up.
Storage up front is usable, with a full-size spare and the fuel tank tucked underneath. On the move, the long shift throws are part of the charm, the steering is light despite no power assist, and the car feels alive at low speeds. It’s engaging without being demanding, happy in traffic, and easy to place on the road.
Source: Tedward
