Review: The Stärke Speedster Redefines Retro-Modern Porsche Performance
Blending classic automotive romance with modern engineering presents a monumental challenge for any custom coachbuilder. Yet, at the Air|Water show in Southern California, Stärke Motor Company captured the imagination of enthusiasts with its second-generation Stärke Speedster. Rather than hacking up vintage metal or applying superficial cosmetic tricks, this bespoke creation uses the robust framework of the modern Porsche 718 Boxster platform (2017 to present) to deliver an exotic open-top experience. During a sun-drenched spring test drive along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, I experienced firsthand how this coachbuilt masterpiece translates legendary design into a daily-usable sports car.
Bridging Heritage and Modernity Through Advanced Engineering
Drawing heavily from Porsche’s storied motorsport lineage, the Stärke design philosophy pays homage to mid-engine legends like the 550 Spyder and 718 RSK, alongside the iconic rear-engine 356 Cabriolet. However, stepping away from cramped vintage dimensions, this speedster occupies a significantly wider and lower physical footprint. Achieving this retro stance required intensive 3D scanning, complex computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, and a rigorous two-year development cycle to craft hand-laid composite body panels.
To transform a donor vehicle, technicians completely strip away the factory exterior skin, cutting away the doors and rear quarters. The front clip installs using factory mounting points, inner fenders bond structurally to the rear quarter-panels for enhanced rigidity, and custom side strakes route fresh air directly into the Boxster’s original engine intakes. While purists might initially object to altering a modern sports car, the underlying build quality easily meets strict Stuttgart manufacturing benchmarks. The metallic silver finish exhibits incredible depth, panel gaps align with factory precision, and the cabin remains free of unwanted creaks or structural rattles.
Powertrain Flexibility and Daily Usability
One of the greatest advantages of using the Porsche 718 platform is the sheer mechanical versatility. Stärke can apply its bespoke bodywork to any 718 variant, ranging from the standard 300-horsepower turbocharged flat-four to the 350-hp Boxster S, or the magnificent 394-hp GTS 4.0 equipped with its soaring 7,800-rpm naturally aspirated flat-six. Buyers can pair their preferred engine with either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or a lightning-fast seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Our prototype test vehicle started life as a base turbo-four model with a PDK transmission. While it lacks the raw auditory drama of the GTS 4.0, it remains astonishingly well-balanced. The suspension and steering strike an ideal harmony between compliant ride comfort and sharp cornering agility. Furthermore, owners enjoy modern luxuries that vintage owners only dream of—effective air conditioning, reliable power-operated soft tops, sealed power windows, and total immunity from constant oil leaks or carburetor tuning.
Pricing, Customization, and Availability
With Porsche ending 718 production recently, values for clean donor cars on the used market continue to rise. Stärke offers two primary entry points for prospective buyers: starting at $135,000 if you supply your own donor vehicle, or $189,000 if Stärke sources the car for you, prior to bespoke personalization options. Each custom build requires approximately six months of meticulous craftsmanship, with about twelve weeks dedicated entirely to body panel production.
For those looking to secure a truly unique driving experience that merges vintage 1950s aesthetics with modern reliability, safety, and everyday comfort, the Stärke Speedster represents an extraordinary achievement in custom automotive engineering.
Ready to design your ultimate custom sports car? Contact Stärke Motor Company today to schedule your private consultation and begin planning your bespoke build.
