The market for retro-styled, modern-underpinned cars is booming, with several companies now offering near-identical Porsche 356 Speedster replicas. These builds, which use modern Porsche Boxster chassis, are aggressively priced—sometimes exceeding the cost of a brand-new 718 Spyder RS.
The Rise of the “Reverse Restomod”
The trend of taking modern mechanicals and fitting them into classic bodies is rapidly gaining traction. Companies like Stärke Motor Company and Signature Autosports recently unveiled their versions of the Porsche 356 Speedster within hours of each other, signaling a competitive rush to capture this niche market. This isn’t about restoring history; it’s about appearing to own a piece of it.
How It Works: Boxsters in Disguise
Both Stärke and Signature build their replicas on Porsche Boxster platforms. Signature Autosports’ “356 Speedster Heritage” utilizes earlier 987 or even 986-generation Boxsters, while Stärke begins with the newer 718. The finished product features a full custom fiberglass body mimicking the classic 356 lines, including chrome trim, LED lighting, and a functioning rear spoiler. The interiors are re-trimmed in leather and Pepita fabric, with modern comforts like heated seats and updated infotainment systems.
The Price of Illusion: $200,000 for a Replica?
Despite being based on 20-year-old platforms, the Signature Autosports replica starts at $199,950. This is more expensive than a new Porsche 718 Spyder RS ($170,100) and even exceeds Stärke’s newer, more expensive 718-based version ($189,000). A well-preserved original 356 Speedster can cost over $500,000, while standard 356 Coupes sometimes sell for around $150,000.
Questionable Origins: A Familiar Design
The promo images reveal striking similarities between Signature Autosports’ replica and the Iconic Autobody 387 Speedster built by Total Headturners in Essex, UK. That model was listed for sale in 2020 for around $83,400. Whether there’s an official collaboration between the two companies is unknown, but the steep price difference raises questions about value and originality.
The market is now pricing nostalgia over authenticity, creating a strange dynamic where replicas can legitimately cost more than modern performance cars.
The demand for these replicas speaks to a broader trend: buyers are willing to pay a premium for the image of a classic Porsche, even if it’s built on a used Boxster and wrapped in fiberglass. This raises the question of whether the value lies in the car itself or in the perception of status it provides.
