Porsche 356 Speedster Replica by Intermeccanica

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Porsche 356 Speedster, introduced in 1954, was a driver-focused, minimalist sports car built for the American market. With its low windscreen, stripped-down interior, and agile handling, it became an icon of postwar motoring. Produced in limited numbers, these coveted lightweight racers command heavyweight figures—making them a dream car for many, but a reality for few.

Intermeccanica, founded in Turin in 1959, offers a compelling alternative. Known for “Custom Building One Dream at a Time,” Intermeccanica has earned a reputation for crafting some of the finest Porsche Speedster replicas in the world. Built on a Volkswagen Beetle floorpan, their hand-built cars blend vintage aesthetics with modern reliability, offering enthusiasts a faithful and drivable tribute to the original.

This 1978 Intermeccanica Speedster is a standout example. Retaining its original VIN and builder’s tag, it underwent a full body-off-chassis refurbishment in 2023. The fiberglass body was stripped and refinished in Porsche Panamera Gunmetal Gray Metallic. The 1600cc engine was rebuilt and upgraded to 1950cc with a full stainless exhaust and modern ignition and fuel systems. A front disc brake conversion, new clutch, and updated oil filtration enhance drivability.

Inside, a Cranberry Red vintage-style interior features authentic 1956 Porsche gauges, including an original odometer showing 79,969 miles—though only a claimed ~1,500 miles have been added since 2023. Restored with guidance from Speedster expert Alan Merklin, this Intermeccanica is a rare blend of period-correct style and modern performance.

Highlights 

• Powered by a rebuilt 1950cc flat-four paired to a four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Porsche Panamera Gunmetal Gray Metallic over Cranberry Red interior 

• 1978 Intermeccanica Speedster replica retaining original VIN and builder’s tag 

• Authentic 1956 Porsche gauges, including original odometer 

• Body-off-chassis refurbishment completed in late 2023 

Features 

• 15-inch Porsche Speedster style wheels with center caps wrapped in Michelin XZX tires 

• Wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel with Porsche horn button 

• New carburetor kit and full stainless steel exhaust system 

• New wiring, switches, and lighting equipment throughout 

• Mesh headlight grills (headlights protectors) 

• Canvas boot cover (soft top cover) 

• Original-style Speedster fog lights 

• Front disc brake conversion 

• New starter and fuel tank 

• New clutch and flywheel 

• Remote spin-on oil filter 

• New convertible top 

Known Imperfections 

• Imperfections in paint to include two small areas of gel coat cracking (visible in photos) 

• Odometer is not connected (previous owner stated the gauges are from an original 356) 

Included 

• Dual 40K carburetor kit 

• Spare wheel 

Ownership History

Originally hand-built by Intermeccanica in 1978, this Speedster replica retains its original VIN and builder’s tag and is currently located in New Palestine, Indiana. The current seller acquired the car in early 2024. The car underwent a full frame-off refurbishment in 2023—performed in North Carolina with support from Alan Merklin—and it is believed to have only traveled approximately 1,500 miles since.