This Porsche 356 Speedster Tribute Is a 718 Boxster at Heart
The Stärke nameplate has been associated with the Porsche 356 Speedster model for a while now. The Gen 1 models were assembled by combining replica 356 bodies with more modern Porsche suspension, engines, transmissions, and more. This was a rather time-consuming process. Recently, though, Stärke was bought and its formula updated to not only streamline assembly, but ensure that the end product possesses as modern of a sports-car driving experience as possible. Thus began the Stärke Speedster Gen 2.
For the latest iteration, Stärke starts with a 982-generation 718 Boxster, removes its body panels, and carefully crafts its strategy from there. “We found an engineer who specializes in vintage Porsches,” company C.E.O. Seth Gortenburg tells Robb Report. “For three days, he 3-D-scanned the car, then started designing it, and we gave him feedback [along the way].” Once Stärke had finished CAAD files, these went to a mold manufacturer in California that utilized a five-axis CNC to build all of the body panels. The rest was a matter of precision assembly. Once completed, Stärke announced that the Gen 2 was ready for regular production earlier this year.
The Stärke Speedster Gen 2.
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Design
Crafting an aftermarket body onto a newer Porsche chassis has considerable benefits. The 718 Boxster is a brilliantly handling cabriolet with an assortment of power plants to choose from, a modern interior, numerous tech amenities, comfortable dimensions, and driver aids. The Stärke’s Gen 2 retains all of this, down to the parking sensors and power-retracting soft top.
In addition, Gortenburg notes that all of the seals and hinges are original equipment from Porsche; nothing leaks, and everything latches together just as it did when the 718 left the factory floor. Then, to accommodate all tastes, anything in the realm of interior materials and colors, exterior colors, wheels, and more, can be customized. The company has also received requests for Outlaw-styled cars, as well as for coupes, however the latter is down the line due to the added design and development required. But it’s definitely in the cards.
Stärke starts with a 982-generation 718 Boxster, removes its body panels, and carefully crafts its strategy from there, though all of the seals and hinges are original equipment from Porsche.
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Poring over the body of the Gen 2, it’s clear that the paint quality is second-to-none, panel fitment is impeccable, and every finer aspect, such as how the doors shut, conveys an overall sense of solidity. Stärke affixes its own badges, then adds its own lighting package, bumpers, and exterior trunk handles, as well as the option of selecting simple manual mirrors and chrome bumpers. Our tester sat on beautiful silver throwback-style wheels which adorned its arches rather well.
Power Train and Hardware
There’s a certain irony to utilizing a modern Porsche flat-four engine, albeit turbocharged; it may pique the interest of aficionados, since the original 356 also ran on four cylinders. But where the original’s output rarely reached 100 hp from the factory, the Stärke benefits from either 300 hp or 350 hp, depending on whether its donor chassis possessed a base 2.0-liter or S 2.5-liter power plant. There’s also the option for 394 hp if the car is fitted with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter mill. While exact figures aren’t given for the car’s overall heft, we’re on good authority that the vehicle’s curb weight is noticeably less than any 718 spec.
The interior retains all of the modern tech and amenities found in that of a 718 Boxster.
Stärke Speedster
As everything underneath is 718 Porsche, it rides on MacPherson spring and strut suspension at all four corners. Our tester’s dampers were standard passive equipment, though, if a donor is equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), that will transfer over without any issue.
Performance
Our tester’s base 2.0-liter engine, mated to a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission, made for amply brisk acceleration regardless of drive mode. However, our preference was Sport for its sharper throttle tuning and snappy shifts that made the Gen 2 come alive. Sport mode also delivered a good amount of sound piped into the cabin, including entertaining turbo noises to accompany its hearty torque-shove Again, with the least amount of horsepower on tap. We imagine the factory base 718’s zero-to-60 mph run of 4.7 seconds was at least matched, if not bested, thanks to the Stärke Speedster’s lower curb weight.
Our tester’s base 2.0-liter engine, mated to a seven-speed PDK automatic transmission, made for amply brisk acceleration regardless of drive mode.
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When it comes to overall handling and ride quality, the Stärke Speedster scored quite well. Body control and overall balance were excellent, allowing us to slice and dice through winding Malibu canyon roads with ease. A cursory look at the tires and brakes indicated that the former were standard high-performance all-seasons, whereas the latter felt like original 718 equipment—nothing that would be considered particularly focused or track-worthy. But they definitely felt maximized by its undoubtedly lower curb weight—we had no qualms with their cornering grip and bite.
Whether taking on twisty roads, cruising around city streets, or ticking off miles on the highway, the Speedster rode well and exhibited no discernable cowl shake or flex. There was some slight flex while taking on an especially steep driveway, but any modern convertible would do the same. Then, because of its front and rear overhangs, as well as ride height, we had to be especially careful navigating local SoCal streets. But not to the same degree as we would, say, in a Lamborghini Revuelto.
When it comes to overall handling and ride quality, the Stärke Speedster Gen 2 scores quite well, and the body control and overall balance are excellent.
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Is It Worth It?
Hopping into one’s very own Gen II Stärke Speedster can be done a couple of different ways. If you provide the donor chassis, the transformation can cost as low as $135,000. If the company handles everything, pricing starts at $189,000. Based on our conversation with Gortenburg, pricing can reach $260,000 depending on customization options, and the example that we piloted commanded $209,000. He says the company’s capable of producing ten per year and that well over 1,000 labor hours are put into each build.
Original, very low mileage 356s can command significantly higher price tags, and while they’re beautiful iconic drivers in their own right, there’s something to be said for having a similar aesthetic yet with modern chassis and engine technology to maximize the fun factor. The Gen II Stärke Speedster is worth anyone’s consideration if they’re looking for its brand of throwback styling with modern flare.
Pricing starts at $189,000, or $135,000 if you supply the donor chassis.
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Specifications
- Vehicle Type: two-seat convertible sports car
- Power Train: turbocharged 2.0-liter (300 hp) or 2.5-liter flat-four (350 hp), naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six (394 hp), seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or six-speed manual
- Performance: 171 mph top speed, zero to 60 mph in 4.3-4.9 seconds
- Starting Price: $135,000
- Price As Tested: $209,000
Click here for more photos of the Stärke Speedster Gen 2.
Driving the Stärke Speedster Gen 2 in Malibu, Calif.
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