Available for auction is this special 1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Reutter Coupe finished in Aquamarine Blue Metallic over a cognac leather interior. Built on February 27, 1956 this 1956 356A was sold new in Austria and imported to California. It was then exported to Mexico where it remained until being rediscovered in Tijuana by its current owner where it had reportedly sat covered for approximately 30 years. The car underwent an extensive restoration including rebuilds of the numbers matching engine and transmission, metal and paint work, re-chroming of wheels and trim, and reupholstery of the cabin. Said to be a special wishes build, this unique 356 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of California, while showing approximately 24k miles on the five digit odometer.
The 356A debuted new T1 bodywork with a single-piece curved windshield, front indicators integrated into the horn grilles, a redesigned Porsche-crested bonnet handle, and new 15” wheels. This example was refinished in Aquamarine Blue Metallic by its current owner. During its restoration process a dent was removed from the right rear quarter panel and the wheels and trim were re-chromed. It rides on a set of 15” wide-five wheels finished in silver with chrome hubcaps and dressed in a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.
The cabin was reupholstered with cognac leather on the front and rear seats, door panels, and dashboard top. Grey square-weave with cognac bindings cover the floors, and features include a refurbished two-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, an ashtray, a Porsche-branded radio blanking plate, and a locking glove box. The seller reports that all gauges, accessories, and electronics remain functional.
Power comes from a 1600cc air-cooled flat-four cylinder engine (60875) which has been fitted with twin Solex carburetors and Knecht air cleaners. The rear wheels are driven by way of a four-speed manual transaxle. Under current ownership the numbers matching engine and transmission were rebuilt, and approximately 400 are said to have been added since. Detailed images can be found in the gallery including photos of engine stampings, and the Porsche COA. Two oil and filter services are noted to have been carried out since the restoration of the drivetrain.
This sale will include a clean title. For enthusiasts of early air-cooled cars this first-year 356A is not to be overlooked.
Comments (12)
Bid in the amount of $88,356
Bid in the amount of $77,000
@JohnBlackyoldtimer All of the gauges are original and restored at Palo Alto. The under carriage and suspension could definitely use some work but it rides good as is...
@JohnBlackyoldtimer @JohnBlackyoldtimerMotor info
Rebuilt
86mm P/C OE Cam
Ollie’s Handled the machine work
Solex 40s
All Hardware Cad plated
40% Black power coated tinware
Runs strong and made a more enjoyable Porsche to Drive.
Front Disk Brakes with retaining wide 5 lug pattern.
Transmission
Rebuilt by Shawn
Over at California Motorsports in
Lake Havasu city AZ
Hello, can you tell us something about the conversion of the dashboard and what other changes were made to the vehicle that are not up to date? Thanks.
@Btremayne thanks for the love, really appreciate it....
@Esparza33 good on you for finding this 356A and bringing it back to ol’ glory for someone else (clearly not @Rowej) to appreciate. I respect it from my humble seat that it appears you put some thoughtful effort into making this a respectable runner again that’ll still bend a lot of necks while it cruises down PCH. Leave it to another whale to take it and make a 66y/o relic into another Peterson Museum, concourse restoration, paperweight if they so choose. Cheers and GLWTA!
@Rowej There is some work still to be done on the car and unfortunately I had a budget so I did what I thought was best...?
It is a shame that so much money was spent restoring this, and yet the amount of bondo showing through the backside, and questionable welding of the panels. It is a pretty car but it deserved better work before doing such a nice paint job.
Bid in the amount of $75,000
.. what a wonderful 356... such a beautiful color!
Bid in the amount of $50,000