SL-Class

Segment
Compact

The 911 may be the most iconic of Porsches, but for many of the marque's faithful, the 356 Speedster is the most enduring classic from Zuffenhausen's considerable history. Designed by the company founder's son Ferry Porsche in 1948, the 356 went on to rack up numerous motor racing trophies, winning hill-climbs, rallies and even its class at Le Mans in 1951. Identifying a winning package, New York-based dealer Max Hoffman imported an initial run of fifteen Speedsters in 1954 and America fell in love.

James Dean would go on to make the 356 both famous and infamous, and later versions would add a touch of luxury, but it was the bare-bones Speedster version with its chopped-down windshield that stands apart. Only 4,144 examples were made, 1,233 of them finding their way to the US, and one of them is up for auction. This black on black on black example is in pristine condition, having recently been fitted with a new top, side curtains and carpeting, with the engine in original condition. It's up for sale under the auspices of RM Auctions as part of its Arizona sale in January, where it is expected to sell for between $160,000 and $200,000.

That's some appreciation in value from its original base price of less than $3,000, and makes it more pricey than even a top-of-the-line 911 Turbo S (let alone the Boxster that has succeeded the 356 spiritually), but can you really put a price on this kind of timeless automotive beauty? If you end up heading to Arizona for the auction and this black Speedster slips away in a bidding frenzy, fret not as RM has a second red 1960 Porsche 356B Roadster up for grabs, with prices projected at between $130,000 and $160,000. (Photos by Scott Nidermaier courtesy of RM Auctions.)