Stärke Channels the Porsche 356 With Its New Gen 2 Speedster


Here’s something for those in the market for a car that combines the looks of yesterday with the conveniences of today.

Stärke Motor Company unveiled the second generation of its retro-inspired Speedster late last week. The Missouri-based coachbuilder’s latest creation looks like a classic open-top Porsche 356, but drives just like a late model 718 Boxster.

The shop takes pains not to mention the visual inspiration for the Gen 2 Speedster (the press release even states there is no affiliation between Stärke and Porsche), but it will be clear to any enthusiast with even a passing knowledge of the automaker’s early sports cars. The new vehicle may not be a complete dupe of the 356—it rides lower and more stretched out—but its design channels the sports car’s clean lines and flowing curves. A tasteful amount of chrome trim and matching wheels rounds things out.

The Stärke Gen 2 Speedster looks like a Porsche 356, but is built on the bones of a 718

Stärke Gen 2 Speedster

Stärke Motor Company

As old school as the exterior may be, the interior makes it loud and clear that the Gen 2 Speedster is a modern sports car. The two-seat cabin, like the rest of the vehicle, may be “meticulously handcrafted to order,” but shares a layout and features with the fourth-generation 718. Creature comforts include a digital gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

Just like the 718, the Gen 2 Speedster is available with three different powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four that makes 300 hp, a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four that makes 350 hp, and a 4.0-liter flat-six that makes 394 hp. The last of those options is the naturally aspirated mill from the 718 Boxster GTS. Stärke doesn’t include performance figures in its announcement, but the Porsche roadster was capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 178 mph. The car comes with one of two gearboxes, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual, but we wouldn’t be surprised if a majority of the shop’s customers opt for the latter.

The Stärke Gen 2 Speedster starts at $135,000 if you provide the donor car

Stärke Motor Company

Intrigued? Stärk is taking orders for the Gen 2 Speedster now. The convertible starts at $135,000 if you provide the donor car and $189,000 if you task the shop with sourcing the vehicle. Deliveries usually could within six months of ordering, depending on the specifications.

Click here for more photos of the Stärke Gen 2 Speedster.

Stärke Motor Company





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