With its eye-catching double-humped fiberglass tonneau cover and dramatically lowered windshield, the one-year-only 1989 Porsche Speedster is instantly recognizable to Porsche enthusiasts. Designed as a lightweight, racy homage to its 356 ancestor, the Speedster was reintroduced following a 35-year absence, with most examples of the highly desirable two-seat variant quietly disappearing into private collections.

Though the “Speedster” name had entered the automotive lexicon along with the Ford Model T racers of the early 20th century, it was Porsche that burned the moniker into public consciousness with its spartan and nimble rear-engined 356—a car that built its reputation on the race circuits of southern California while carving out a permanent place in 1950s popular culture. Fitting, then, that the nameplate would be revived for the final year of the Carrera 3.2, with a limited run of two-seat Speedsters (Option M503) built from January through August of 1989, some 823 of which—all based on the 911 Turbo wide body—were manufactured for the North American market.

The Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster offered here is a particularly breathtaking example as it wears the rare and highly desirable finishes of Grand Prix White over magnificent Can Can Red leather trim. Its vibrant red livery commands attention, covering every conceivable interior surface down to the embroidered floormats. The brilliant trim package is not just an accent but a defining feature that elevates this Speedster to a new level of refinement and exclusivity, ensuring it will garner raves at any automotive gathering.

The Speedster appears to have been sold new in Las Vegas and remained there for at least a decade, based on stamps within the accompanying original warranty booklet. A subsequent stamp indicates that the car was in Ohio by 2002 and had been driven less than 16,000 miles since new. Carfax entries show later registrations in California, followed by Florida. As of cataloguing time, the odometer indicated less than 22,800 miles.

Further enhancing this Speedster’s appeal are various coveted factory features, including a limited-slip differential, air conditioning, shortened gearshift lever, raised-hub steering wheel, and Blaupunkt Reno SQR 46 AM/FM cassette stereo. Accompanying the sale is a copy of a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and the original factory service and warranty booklet.

Superbly preserved, sporting an exceptionally stunning livery, this Speedster honors its iconic 1950s predecessor while boasting a distinctive identity all its own.