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Jay Leno, tired of his neighbor's Porsche 911 Speedster being idle for 36 years, has decided to take the vehicle for a spin, logging some miles on it instead.

Unveiled 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster, long-concealed for 36 years, leaves Jay Leno stunned with its hidden charm

Jay Leno tires of his neighbor's long-parked Porsche 911 Speedster and commences to pile on the...
Jay Leno tires of his neighbor's long-parked Porsche 911 Speedster and commences to pile on the miles.

Jay Leno, tired of his neighbor's Porsche 911 Speedster being idle for 36 years, has decided to take the vehicle for a spin, logging some miles on it instead.

The 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster, a limited-edition car that has been tucked away for over three decades, is making a comeback. Owned by Canadian actor Rino Romano for the past 15 years, this rare vehicle has recently been acquired by none other than the legendary car enthusiast, Jay Leno.

This special 911 Speedster is a unique iteration of the 3.2 Carrera line, produced in just one year. Known for its wide body, minimalist low windshield, and evoking the spirit of the original 1950s 356 Speedster, it embodies the perfect blend of classic Porsche styling and enhanced driving dynamics [1][3].

The 1989 Speedster is a testament to Porsche's rich history, as it carries the same lineage as the original Speedster models. It was Max Hoffman, Porsche's marketing master, who recognized the need for a more affordable, sporty Porsche for the US market, especially in sun-soaked California. The Porsche Speedster first saw the light of day in 1954, and it was an instant hit, becoming very popular in the US [2].

The car's historical significance is further highlighted by its association with celebrities. Rino Romano, best known for voicing Batman and Spider-Man, has been the proud owner of this 1989 Speedster. Its new owner, Jay Leno, is a highly respected figure in the car industry, renowned for his extensive car collection and automotive knowledge. Leno's involvement often underscores the car's appeal among famous car enthusiasts [4].

The 1989 911 Speedster, with its low mileage of only 2,600 miles, is considered a 'garage queen'—a term used to describe cars that are rarely driven and meticulously maintained. However, it seems that Romano has decided to let this Speedster enjoy the open road more, making it more likely to be seen on California's roads rather than kept in a garage [5].

This combination of rarity, historical importance, and celebrity association makes the 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster a remarkable vehicle both in Porsche’s lineage and automotive culture. The car's journey from Romano's garage to Leno's legendary collection is a testament to its enduring appeal and significance in the world of Porsche and automotive enthusiasts alike.

[1] https://www.motortrend.com/cars/porsche/911/1989/1989-porsche-911-speedster/ [2] https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27257660/1954-porsche-speedster-first-ever/ [3] https://www.porsche.com/usa/classic/models/911-speedster/1989/ [4] https://www.jaylenosgarage.com/ [5] https://www.autoblog.com/2019/05/08/jay-leno-bought-rino-romanos-1989-porsche-911-speedster/

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