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6 Minutes
Introduction: A True Garage Queen Finally Sees the Road
This immaculate 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster — a textbook "garage queen" — spent more than three decades sheltered from weather and road wear, logging just 2,600 miles in 36 years. Now, neighbor and car enthusiast Jay Leno has the honor of adding a few precious miles, piloting the Speedster on a spirited run through Southern California. The owner, actor and voice-over artist Rino Romano, has owned the car for 15 years and recently decided it was time to let this classic 911 enjoy more sun and pavement.
History and Heritage: The Speedster Story
The Speedster name has deep roots in Porsche lore going back to the 1950s. Austrian-importer Max Hoffman persuaded Porsche to build a leaner, more affordable roadster designed to appeal to American buyers — particularly those in sunny California. Launched in 1954 as a stripped-down, driver-focused variant of the 356/early 911 models, the Speedster featured a low, raked windshield, bucket seats, and a simplified canvas top meant for emergency use only. Weight and cost savings were prioritized over comfort features such as air conditioning or extensive trim, and safety features like airbags were decades away.
The approach worked: the Speedster became a cultural icon, attracting celebrities and racers alike. Even James Dean famously bought a Super Speedster in 1955, trading in his MG for the minimalist two-seater.
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Exterior and Design: Turbo Look with Classic Lines
Rino Romano’s 1989 Speedster retains the original factory paint and largely original trim, but it carries a modernized wide-body "Turbo Look" treatment. Flared fenders, wider wheels, and period-correct Turbo-style bumpers give the car a more aggressive stance while preserving the long-hood, short-deck silhouette that defines classic 911 styling. The cut-down windshield maintains the Speedster’s signature low-profile driving experience, offering that "wind-in-your-hair" sensation for which the name was conceived.
Interior and Ergonomics
Inside, the cabin is remarkably preserved: low seating position, snug bolstering, minimalist dash layout, and an analog instrument cluster that puts the driver at the center of the experience. The car was built with driving pleasure in mind rather than luxury appointments; conveniences such as powerful climate control or advanced infotainment were never priorities on this model.
Performance and Mechanical Specifications
Under the rear decklid sits the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six engine — a classic Porsche powerplant beloved by purists. In U.S.-spec, the 3.2 delivers 217 horsepower, while European-spec versions are rated at roughly 231 PS. Power is routed through a five-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels, offering a pure, mechanical connection between driver and road.
Key specifications:
- Engine: 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six
- Power: 217 hp (U.S.) / ~231 PS (Europe)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- 0–60 mph: approximately 5.7 seconds
- Top speed: ~150 mph
- Weight: Turbo Look wide-body example ~2,750 lb (1,247 kg); narrow-body ~2,645 lb (1,200 kg)
- Production: 2,104 total Speedsters; ~800 wide-body "Turbo Look" units
This combination of light weight and responsive engine made the Speedster a lively driver in its era. While not blisteringly quick by modern 2025 performance-car standards, the low mass and precise handling provide a rewarding driving experience that modern heavy SUVs and crossovers can’t replicate.
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Driving Impressions: Jay Leno’s Take
Jay Leno describes the car as "a blast to drive" and "feels like a brand-new car," a testament to the care Rino Romano has given the Speedster. You sit close to the ground with the long hood stretching forward and the flat-six thumping behind — a pure rear-engined Porsche feeling. Despite the cut-down windshield, airflow is manageable and the driving environment remains engaging and focused.
Market Positioning and Collectibility
The 1989 911 Speedster occupies a unique position in the classic and collectible Porsche market. Limited production numbers, the nostalgic appeal of the Speedster name, and the purist 3.2-liter air-cooled engine all boost desirability among collectors. The Turbo Look wide-body variants are especially sought-after for their distinctive appearance and slightly more aggressive dynamics.
Compared with modern Porsche models like the Cayenne or Macan, the 1989 Speedster represents the antithesis of contemporary luxury SUVs: lighter, simpler, analog, and purely driver-focused. In today's market, well-preserved Speedsters command strong prices, and examples with documented provenance and low mileage — like Romano’s — are particularly valuable.
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How it Compares to Other Classics
- Versus classic 911 Carrera and Targa models: The Speedster is more focused and rarer, with a lower windshield and more minimalist ethos.
- Versus modern 911s: Today's 911s offer significantly more power, safety, and technology, but they lack the visceral analog feel and mechanical purity that defines the 1989 Speedster.
- Versus classic roadsters from other marques: The Speedster's flat-six and rear-engine layout make it a unique driving proposition when compared to front-engine British or Italian roadsters.
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Conclusion: Drive It, Don’t Hide It
Rino Romano’s decision to drive his Speedster more often is a reminder of what these cars were made for: spirited driving and enjoying the road. Jay Leno’s willingness to help log miles reinforces the point — a driver's car is best when driven. For enthusiasts who value authentic Porsche character, the 1989 911 Speedster is a compelling blend of historic cachet, engaging performance, and collectibility.
Whether you’re a buyer researching classic Porsches, an owner contemplating taking your garage queen out for a cruise, or a fan of automotive history, this Speedster example embodies why these cars remain celebrated and cherished by driving purists around the world.
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