- Signature’s new 356 Speedster replica costs nearly $200,000.
- Built on the 987 Porsche Boxster S platform with upgrades.
- Fiberglass body mimics the iconic 356 Speedster design.
As the market for reverse restomod continues to pick up speed, more players are entering the fray, each vying to offer their own version of retro appeal wrapped around modern underpinnings. Some aren’t even pretending to aim at different buyers, launching near-identical creations just hours apart.
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That’s exactly what unfolded between Missouri-based Stärke Motor Company and North Carolina’s Signature Autosports. Both unveiled their takes on the legendary Porsche 356 Speedster, each built on the bones of a modern Boxster.
Although they target the same enthusiasts, the two executions differ in approach. The Stärke model, which we covered yesterday, reimagines any fourth-generation Porsche 718 from 2017 onward. In contrast, Signature Autosports’ entry, dubbed the 356 Speedster Heritage, leans on earlier first- and second-generation Boxster generations for its donor platform.
Backdating the Boxster
The 387 Speedster Heritage aims to merge the unmistakable form of the original 356 with the everyday performance and drivability of a modern Porsche. According to Signature, the starting point is the 987 Boxster S introduced in 2005. That said, one of the showcased builds appears to be based on the first-generation 986 model from 1996, closely resembling a past replica by UK-based DNA Automotive.
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Regardless of which generation it starts from, the finished product wears a full custom fiberglass body that channels the flowing lines of the 356 Speedster. Every panel has been reworked. Design highlights include chrome trim, round LED headlights, teardrop LED taillights, sculpted rear headrest fairings, and a functioning rear spoiler.
To maintain the classic silhouette, the Boxster’s side intakes are masked with bespoke covers. The car rides on custom 19-inch alloy wheels and keeps the donor vehicle’s power-operated soft top.
Inside, the layout remains mostly faithful to the original Boxster, but with an extensive re-trim in leather and Porsche’s signature Pepita fabric. The cabin is updated with modern comforts like heated seats and climate control, and buyers can opt for enhancements to the factory infotainment setup.
Modern Power
Under the engine cover, the 387 Speedster Heritage uses the naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-six from the Boxster S, tuned to produce 310 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK automatic. Chassis upgrades for suspension and braking are also available through Signature Autosports.
How Much Does It Cost? Quite a Bit
Which brings us to the price. According to the company’s website, the 387 Speedster Heritage starts at $199,950, with limited build slots on offer. That’s a steep figure for a replica based on a 20-year-old platform, especially when a brand-new Porsche 718 Spyder RS can be had for $170,100 in the US.
It’s also pricier than Stärke’s version, which uses the newer and more expensive 718 as a base and starts at $189,000.
As for actual vintage Speedsters, a well-preserved original will set you back over $500,000. A standard 356 Coupe, however, can sometimes be found around the $150,000 mark.
A Familiar Face
A closer look at the promo images reveals something even more curious. The Melting Silver example with a Saddle interior appears very similar to the Iconic Autobody 387 Speedster from Essex-based Total Headturners.
This particular model was listed for sale in 2020 with an asking price of £69,995, which came to about $83,400 at the exchange rate at the time. Whether Signature Autosports is officially collaborating with Total Headturners is unclear, but either way, it makes the $200K starting price of the replica feel all the more awkward.
