The original owner, Sid Ackert, an aerospace engineer at Hughes Aircraft, bought this Porsche directly from the factory- with special customized gear ratios and other custom items to his liking. Interestingly, Sid Ackert was friendly with Scooter Patrick, the renowned Porsche Race car driver and mechanic. In Germany at the time, Scooter drove the car from the factory to the dock heading for America. The car entered the U.S. through Hoffman Motors in New York, arriving in September of 1959, whereupon it was shipped to the West Coast and to Sid Ackert.

Sid Ackert eventually sold the car to a friend and associate, Justin Biddle, also an aerospace employee. In 1977 Justin Biddle sold the car to the current owner, Terry Sue Aikens, for $2,200. Seems that Justin  needed a family car and replaced his beloved Porsche with a Plymouth Volare Station Wagon that could accommodate his family.

Not garaged for many years, the car needed a lot of attention. Over the years of ownership and under the loving care of Terry Sue Aikens, the car has been slowly updated. Originally Silver, it was painted Auratium Green, (special order color (1957-1959) in 1985. The interior was redone as a wedding gift from Terry’s husband in Biscuit Leather, after Terry turned down her Fiance’s offer of a 1955 Chevy Gasser race car as his choice of a wedding gift.

This 1957 356A 1600s Coupe, refinished in rare, period-correct, Aquamarine Metallic over red leather, was the recipient of a major mechanical (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical) and bare-metal cosmetic restoration, completed in Spring 2024. It is a numbers-matching (including body panels) T2 Coupe per Kardex, with only three previous owners. The original engine was rebuilt to factory ‘S’ specifications. Only the floor was replaced. All brightwork was renewed or replaced and all metal was powder-coated.

“Nedette” is named for her original owner, Ned Skillman, who lived most of his life in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Ned bought her new at Vasek Polak in Hermosa Beach in August, 1963. Nedette was Ned’s primary transportation for 30 years and took many trips to Mammoth and made lots of trips to various golf courses over the years. The owner, Robert Reinhardt, has always admired Nedette and told Ned that he would be honored to be her 2nd caretaker. Ned’s wife, Bonnie, put Robert on the list and he was #13. When Ned was ready to sell 10 years ago, he chose Robert, and of course, he said yes.

They towed her to Dutch Treat and Rob Wessels got her up and running. Robert drove her for two years and took Ned with him to Cars and Coffee several times so that he could share his treasure with the “car guys”. Ned was 92 years old at the time.

Then Nedette found her way to Ed Rutherford, who brought her back to her original glory days! Signal Red, with black leather and matching number engine and transmission. Nedette is an active member of the 356 Registry and the 356 Club of Southern California.