The car was kept and licensed (KQU 278) in California, initially by a Lady in Palm Springs and then by a Mr Paul Tomazin. In August 1974 Mr Tomazin advertised it for sale in The Register, described as being ‘concourse condition with 46,000 miles price at $6,850. Mr. Kim Fiori of Healdsburg, CA, then purchased it. The previous owner had re-painted the car Silver and reported it to have had the rear outer skin repaired with a new panel and engine lid.
Mr Fiori would go on to own and look after the car for the next thirty years. In 1976, the four-cam engine was fully rebuilt by Rennsport Werke of Santa Clara, then Jim Wellington and Bob Garretson. Their original dated 10/04/76 service label attached then to the engine, remains in the history file.
In 2003, the car was acquired by the current owner from Mr Fiori, via 356 Sales in Santa Clarita. Described at this time by Bob Campbell as being:
“a very solid Californian Carrera with original floor pan, and longitudinals and even battery floor. The car has never had a rust problem and most of the original equipment is still in place, including the original tan floor mats, VDM steering wheel with de luxe horn ring and correct Blaupunkt radio.”
Additional notable features which remain today are a set of rare Marchal sealed beam headlamps, plus correct pickle fork wiper arms and “Meister Schaften’ dashboard plaque – commemorating racing wins from 1950 to 1957. Also present is a highly valuable early tool kit and jack, plus Carrera Driver’s Manual Supplement and wallet.
During 2017-2018, the present owner had the vehicle bodywork carefully taken back to bare metal and beautifully re-painted again in Ivory. The brakes and suspension were fully overhauled and the engine and gearbox were sent to us in 2019 for a complete strip and rebuild, including a complete roller bearing crankshaft disassembly and overhaul by engineer Karl Hloch.
We are delighted to present this wonderfully prepared and genuine 356 A Carrera for sale, complete with UK V5 title, ready for immediate use on the road and many exclusive tours and events for which, of course, it is highly eligible..
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