Stärke Motor Company is launching an all-new Gen 2 Speedster, a vintage-inspired roadster that aims to deliver classic 1950s Speedster looks while keeping the everyday drivability of a modern Porsche.
The concept is simple, the company takes a late-model Porsche 718 Boxster as the donor car and reworks it into a coachbuilt, retro-styled convertible that keeps the underlying chassis, powertrain, safety structure, and much of the modern interior convenience intact.
A Modern Donor, A Classic Shape
Stärke says the Gen 2 Speedster is built on a 2017-and-newer 718 Boxster platform, with the body developed through 3D scanning and CAD so it fits precisely over the donor’s hard points.
The build is positioned as a full transformation rather than a kit, with the drivetrain, suspension, and crash structure carried over from the Porsche, and with modern safety systems like airbags and stability control intended to remain part of the finished car. Stärke also says some driver-assist features can be retained if the build keeps the original exterior mirrors.
Power Options And What It Costs
Because it is based on the 718 lineup, the Gen 2 Speedster can be ordered with multiple factory Porsche engine and transmission combinations depending on the donor car. Stärke lists the 2.0-liter turbo flat-four at 300 horsepower, the 2.5-liter turbo flat-four at 350 horsepower, and the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six at 394 horsepower, with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed paddle-shift transmission depending on the donor configuration.
Pricing is described as $135,000 for the conversion if the buyer supplies a donor vehicle, or $189,000 if Stärke sources the donor for a more turnkey purchase. The company says builds are hand-assembled in Grandview, Missouri, with timing commonly described in the six-month range, though the exact schedule depends on the customer spec.
Why The Timing Is Interesting For The 718
The Gen 2 Speedster arrives as Porsche’s 718 family sits at a transition point, with electrification plans raising questions about what the next Boxster and Cayman will be and what they will sound like. The engine remains part of the discussion, including debate around the iconic flat-six. Stärke is effectively selling a parallel path, giving buyers a way to lock in modern Porsche dynamics while leaning hard into nostalgia.
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