Porsche Speedster Typ 540: Quintessential Sports Car

The essential Speedster book has been created. Three years in the making, Porsche Speedster Typ 540: Quintessential Sports Car presents the story of the Typ 540 from its inception as the America Roadster, through its defining years as the Speedster, and follows with a look at its successor, the Convertible D. In respective chapters, six of the world's foremost Typ 540 authorities address their areas of expertise in an account that is meticulous and at the same time very readable. Chuck Stoddard describes the early days at Porsche, the influences of Max Hoffman, and the events that led to the building of the sport roadster - commonly known as the America Roadster - and its demise. Don Zingg details the creation and development of the Speedster during its five years of production and the model that replaced it, the Convertible D. Marco Marinello examines the Carrera Speedster and tells the largely untold story of Speedsters in racing. Jim Perrin presents advertising materials, manuals, and dealer documents, many of which have not been seen before. Lee Raskin looks at celebrity Speedster owners of the 50s and 60s, and includes new information about James Dean's Speedster. Steve Heinrichs wraps up the book by answering some oft-asked and previously unanswered questions. Porsche Speedster Typ 540 includes many never-before-published period photos and original documents. An extensive appendix accounts for all 17 America Roadsters, 4,145 Speedsters, and 1,330 Convertible Ds produced, and includes much new data.