Shannons Summer Auction Melbourne 2009

The cheapest Porsche you could buy in 1955 was Porsche's minimalistic 356 Speedster. It cost the equivalent of around $15,000, was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine and was fully extended at around 160km/h in favourable conditions. But good examples these days change hands readily at well over $200,000. The cheapest open Porsche today is the new generation Boxster that was previewed on the Porsche stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show. It will cost just over $110,000 when it goes on sale in mid-March and its new 2.9-litre 'boxer' six cylinder engine will drive it to over 250km/h. As to what it will be worth in 54 years time is anyones guess, but there's one thing the experts agree on: Speedster values will keep rising. Just how far was tested at Shannons Melbourne Motor Show Auction on March 9, when a beautifully presented Pre-A Speedster went under the hammer.

Shannons quoted a guiding range of $180,000-$210,000, but given the Speedster's worldwide collectability, that could prove conservative. Speedster chassis number 80373 was built in March 1955 and delivered through US agent Hoffmans in New York not long afterwards. It was brought to Australia in late 2003 by a prominent Australian 356 Register member, who had it professionally converted to right-hand drive and given a complete repaint in Silver. Inside it has contrasting black upholstery and correct style beige woven carpets, while its stunning appearance is set off by a burgundy folding top. The Porsche was acquired by the current owner in 2005 and has been used sparingly since, primarily for weekend outings. The Speedster was one of 50 vehicles and 60 items of memorabilia in the Melbourne Motor Show, which is the 14th by Shannons at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. All lots were on display in the MEC's Concourse area free to the public throughout the Motor Show.