The year is 2021, Porsche Santa Clarita is one year old. At that point, our many attributes like our Wunderground museum, Boxenstopp restaurant and world-class customer service had already cemented us as a destination for those that worship at the altar of Porsche. Galpin President Beau Boeckmann, having heard of this then-new initiative called the Porsche Restoration Challenge, wanted to utilize the facilities, incredible talent and notoriety of Porsche Santa Clarita and the Galpin enterprise to create something truly extraordinary that would further put us on the map. Enter: 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster.

    As our inaugural entry, this vehicle had to be unique. For nearly 7 decades, the Galpin organization has been customizing and preserving vehicles to the acclaim of many around the globe. For this ‘55 Speedster, the intention from the outset was simple: if Galpin had a Porsche dealership in the 1950s, how would we have Galpinized this car? Beau described the build as a “period-correct custom” and would pay homage to the customizing trends of the era. The car being original, yet modified when we got it, was deemed to be the perfect candidate. What resulted would prove successful to say the least.

During the same 7 decades, Porsche was creating inspiring vehicles as well. One of which is this Porsche 356 Speedster–a legend in its own right. Originally billed as the lesser of the 356 range, its short production coupled with its engaging driving dynamics as well as its drop-dead gorgeous looks immediately gave it a legendary classification. Mr. Boeckmann found this example–chassis 80753 and fell in love. 80753 departed the Stuttgart factory on July 29, 1955 and was imported through Max Hoffman’s dealership in New York City where it was then sold new in California where it would remain. It is one of 1,234 pre-A Speedsters and was finished in a White Exterior over a Black interior. The factory 1500 engine was replaced with a more powerful 1600 SC engine. Other modifications such as a roll bar made this example perfect for track driving–where it would see use by its previous owner of 50 years.

With the car in hand and a vision finalized, the transformation commenced. Over the next few months, the car would be painstakingly restored to fully realize Mr. Boeckmann’s dream. The lack of originality as it came allowed us to essentially proceed with a blank canvas; we could do with it whatever we pleased. Porsche shop foreman Nick Briseno and service director Armen Mansouri carefully disassembled the car in a manner to preserve all original components. Once the car was down to its shell, the body was sent to Dave Shuten and the team at Galpin for its cosmetic metamorphosis to begin. While the body was being repainted and the new interior was being fitted, the engine and transaxle were torn down completely and cleaned. Nick would make the car run and perform better than it ever had. 

The non-mechanical treatment involved repainting the Reutter-built body to a blue/green color. Seeking something of the period, yet not flashy or outlandish, Beau describes the color as:  “if you thought it was blue, it's green and if you thought it was green, it's blue.” With it, we wanted to elicit a response that would get people to talk about the car. The interior follows a similar principle. The new red leather interior with tartan seat inserts were inspired by the many unique Porsche interiors seen over the years. Every inch of this car had to be exceptional.  

The Car was fully revealed at our 2021 Cars and Coffee. People could now lay eyes upon the rolling artwork that we created. The vehicle has been mechanically enhanced. The rebuilt engine now produces 95hp at 5,800 RPM and coupled with the rebuilt transaxle now drives as well as it looks. As well, the visible engine components were given a chrome finish to give the engine compartment some extra beauty and elegance. It now sports 1960 Halibrand knock-offs finished in Kolor Gold with 15 in. Pirelli tires mounted. The dashboard has been color-matched to the body and compliments perfectly the red/tartan interior. 

    September, 2021, Porsche Experience Center, Los Angeles. Dealerships from all over the southwest displayed their entries–representing the finest of what manufacturer-supported dealerships can accomplish. The goal was to wow the adjudicators and public with a show-stopping car. Mission accomplished. With the People’s Choice award bestowed, a sense of accomplishment overcame the team at Porsche Santa Clarita and Galpin. We set out to create a vehicle that would win the hearts and minds of the people. It would further inspire people when it was on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the national competition. As well as being inspiring, the car exudes elegance and sophistication. Applying what was learned from this project, we continue to create award-winning projects year after year. With each entry into the Porsche Restoration Challenge, we are writing our own story as one of the landmarks of the Porsche brand. Stay tuned.