The most ambitious project in the company's history: The Porsche 356 AT Speedster

Author: Niklas Schlagenhauf

Sometimes a car comes to us that needs no history because you can feel it immediately. This Porsche 356 AT Speedster, a 1600 Super from 1957, is exactly such a car. An unrestored vehicle at the time, new to its current owner, with exceptionally good equipment and a rare, particularly elegant color: Meissen Blue – named after the city of Meissen and inspired by its famous porcelain. A color with depth, serenity, and character.

© JOB Group

© TOP Mountain Motorcycle Museum

The Speedster was on display for many years in the museum at the Timmelsjoch Pass. When the museum was destroyed in a fire, everything seemed lost. But this vehicle was lucky: it was salvaged from the museum. Marked, damaged – but there. And above all: original.

This was precisely the expectation with which the Porsche 356 AT Speedster came to us at Boxer Motor. Our task was clearly defined: restoration to its original condition, without robbing the car of its history. This vehicle should not appear new, but remain what it has always been: retaining its soul, its charm, and its honesty.

The fire damage was considerable. The gearbox cover had melted, many components were deformed, and surfaces were destroyed. Nevertheless, our motto was: everything that could be salvaged will be preserved. Every part was first adjusted and straightened – because nothing was in its original shape. Only then did the actual restoration begin.

The components were chemically stripped of paint, derusted, phosphated, and then coated. Mechanically stressed parts were completely disassembled, blasted with glass beads, and the surfaces densified with stainless steel shot before damaged areas were professionally welded. Step by step, with the aim of preserving the original substance rather than replacing it.

Particularly symbolic of this vehicle: the original nameplate survived the fire. Made of steel, it carried the car's history through the flames – a small detail that holds great significance for us.

This restoration is not an attempt to erase traces. It is a conscious decision to respect history. The Porsche 356 AT Speedster should continue to tell its story, with all its scars, its character, and its unmistakable charm.

That's exactly what we at Boxer Motor understand by true restoration.