Porsche 356 A 1600

The vehicle in detail

Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminium-bodied cars built at Gmünd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 coupé at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then (from 1955) in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque’s long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

The first phase of development saw the 356’s engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 litres; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its rounded windscreen and 15″ – down from 16″ – wheels. At the same time, a 1,600cc engine replaced the old 1.5-litre unit and would be standardised on the successor 356B model.

Owned by its last custodian for 23 years, chassis number ‘104584’ is a relatively rare original right-hand drive 1958 356A T2 Coupé by Reutter. In 2005 the car was treated to a photographically documented incredibly extensive restoration by Porsche 356 specialists Dakota Classics of London, with all parts supplied by classic Porsche specialist Roger Bray. In addition, the Porsche benefits from much recent expenditure on works/parts including a including a full service; a new exhaust system plus heat exchangers (supplied by Roger Bray); and four new period-correct Michelin tyres. Only some 6,000 miles have been covered since the 2005 restoration and the car is described by our vendor as in excellent condition throughout. Finished in Ruby Red with Black trim, this expertly restored and highly desirable Porsche 356A is offered with a history file containing a Porsche 356 Technical Manual; restoration invoices and photographs; correspondence; SORN paperwork; a V5C document; V-Check report; current MoT; and an HPI report. An original jack is included in the sale.