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A Bite of History: 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
A Bite of History: by Mike Thies
1958 Porsche 356 Speedster
The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield, removable side curtains, and a simple folding top, it embodied pure driving joy.
By 1958, the Speedster had reached its final production year. Built on the improved 356A "T2" platform, it featured a more refined transaxle, better seating, and optional higher-performance engines, like the 1600 Super and the rare 1500 Carrera GS with its exotic four-cam motor. Despite these upgrades on other models, the Speedster remained spartan, its charm rooted in simplicity and agility.
Today, the 1958 Speedster is a blue-chip collectible, revered for its raw charisma, motorsport lineage, and status as the ultimate expression of Porsche’s early design spirit. Its final-year status and limited numbers only enhance its desirability among collectors worldwide.
Note: The nickname “Bathtub Porsche” refers to early Porsche 356 models, especially those from the late 1940s through the early 1950s, because of their distinctive, smooth, rounded body shape that resembled an upside-down bathtub.
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A Bite of History By Mike Thies - 1977 Chevrolet Corvette
A Bite of History - 1977 Chevrolet Corvette
By Mike Thies
The 1977 Corvette carried forward one of America’s most recognizable shapes while quietly refining it for a changing era. By now, the third-generation Corvette had matured into a smoother, more comfortable grand-touring machine. The tall rear window of earlier years gave way to a cleaner fastback design that improved visibility and aerodynamics. Inside, Chevrolet focused on comfort and drivability, quieter…
ContinuePosted by Michael Thies on October 6, 2025 at 9:38am
A Bite of History: Triumph TR8
A Bite of History: by MikeThies
Triumph TR8
The Triumph TR8, introduced in 1978, was often called the “English Corvette.” It was essentially a Triumph TR7 fitted with a Rover 3.5-liter aluminum V8, a powerplant with American Buick origins that had been adopted by British Leyland in the 1960s. With around 135 to 150 horsepower in…
ContinuePosted by Michael Thies on September 9, 2025 at 5:00pm
A Bite of History: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL
A Bite of History: by Mike Thies
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL
Introduced in late 1966 for a short, single-year production run, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL holds a special place in the “Pagoda” lineage (W113 series) as the rarest variant, with only about 5,196 units built. Positioned between the earlier 230SL and the later 280SL, the 250SL…
ContinuePosted by Michael Thies on August 14, 2025 at 7:30pm
A Bite of History: American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon by Mike Thies
A Bite of History: by Mike Thies
American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon
The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…
ContinuePosted by Michael Thies on August 2, 2025 at 8:00pm — 1 Comment
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