What we are actually looking at is a base Porsche 987 Boxster after many hours of work, to make it look like an original 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster. Making a replica of a highly sought-after classic vehicle is a bit of a social no-no, among certain circles, but considering the rarity of the 356 Speedster and the average asking price of around $1 million, suddenly it starts making sense.
To put things in perspective, this 987 conversion costs about £58,000, which equates to almost $79,000 in today’s money. This does not include the donor vehicle, which in this case, is a 2.7-liter Porsche 987 Boxster, with a manual gearbox.
This means 240 horsepower (177 kilowatts) and 199 pound-feet (270 Nm). This is enough for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of around 6.0 seconds, and a top speed of 159 mph (256 km/h).
That said, we don’t know how the redesigned body affects the aerodynamic and performance aspects of the car. As for how it drives, JayEmm provides a 12-minute video, in which he shares his experience with the Autobody 387.
This particular car is finished in a nice “Melting Silver” paint, complimented by the 19-inch split-rim alloy wheels. Unlike most Speedsters, the Iconic Autobody 387 has retained the original car’s electric convertible soft-top. The 987 Boxster’s active rear spoiler has also been retained.
Inside, you get a mildly-revised brown leather interior, with heated seats and climate control. You don’t get that in a 1955 356 Speedster. The interior is completed by new wool carpets, as well as the Porsche-specific “Pepita” fabric inserts. That said, the car can be personalized in every possible way.
Mark Harrison, co-founder of Total Headturners, shared with Robb Report that the idea of a modern 356 Speedster replica came from clients who had bought 356 Replicas, but didn’t mind the modern amenities. According to him, this is the perfect blend of classic looks and usability that comes with a more modern drivetrain. And if you think, this is a lot of money for a replica, just remember that the original 356 Speedster is slower, doesn’t drive as well, and is less usable, for nearly $1.0 million.
