The A version of the Porsche 356 was offered in various body styles between September 1955 and August 1959. At the start of the 356 A series, there were five engine types in the range: 1300 with 44 hp, 1300 S with 60 hp, 1600 with 60 hp, 1600 S with 75 hp, and 1500 GS "Carrera" with 100 hp. All engines had the proven 4-cylinder boxer engine in the rear and featured a 4-speed transmission with Porsche ring synchronization. A total of 21,045 Porsche 356 A models were manufactured in all variants over its entire production period. The base price of the S version was DM 13,800.
The vehicle:
Among the coupes produced in the 1957 model year, there are probably very few that exude such original charm as this Adriatic blue example. So it's no surprise that we could hardly contain our enthusiasm when we first inspected the vehicle. When you get into this Porsche 356, you literally embark on a journey back in time to the German economic miracle era.
This brings us to the first point that makes this vehicle so special in our eyes. This 356 was originally delivered in Germany, has never been exported or imported, has always been registered in Germany, and has a complete history of previous owners.
This Porsche 356 A Coupé was delivered to its first owner as a 1600 with a 60 hp engine on April 15, 1957, in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The original vehicle transfer certificate from Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. PORSCHE K.-G. from that day has been preserved to this day. The first owner was a country doctor from Hochstetten in Rhineland-Palatinate (Bad Kreuznach district). He registered the vehicle with the license plate KH-EE 82 and used it not only privately but also for visiting patients. To do this, however, he had to drive the 356 on unpaved roads, which were common at the time, in order to reach his patients quickly.
Historical photographs show this Porsche 356 at the Großglockner, the San Bernardino Pass, and the Italian Adriatic Sea, among other places.
The vehicle's Kardex records show that on January 7, 1965, when the Porsche was almost 8 years old and had already clocked up 103,704 km, the coupé was fitted with a more powerful engine at the request of its first owner. This engine upgrade was carried out by the same authorized Porsche dealer from whom the first owner had purchased the vehicle almost eight years earlier. The engine installed in 1965, an original Porsche 356 A Super unit now with 75 hp, is a machine from 1957 (matching the year of manufacture of the coupé) that was purchased through Porsche customer service. A transmission adapted to this engine was also installed. Last but not least, the lettering "Porsche 356 Super" was added. This elevated the vehicle to the status of a 356 A 1600 Super. This engine-transmission combination is still installed in the vehicle today.
The Porsche workshop Fuchs in 55606 Kirn acquired the vehicle in 1993. A valuation report dated October 15, 1993, shows a value of DM 74,740. Prior to this, the vehicle had been partially restored and the engine overhauled. A copy of the vehicle registration document from that time is also available.
On July 12, 2005, the third owner took over the vehicle directly from Mr. Fuchs. During this time, the 356 was mainly driven in southern Germany, primarily in Upper Franconia, on leisurely drives. For personal reasons, the third owner handed over the Porsche in March 2023 to a friend and collector in Nuremberg, who currently owns the car and from whose collection we are able to offer you this historically valuable Porsche 356.
The condition of the bodywork and paintwork is certainly not perfect, but it fits in with the overall history of the vehicle. With a few minor ongoing repairs, the 356 can be preserved in this form for many years to come. A full restoration is of course also possible, but in our opinion this is less advisable due to the very beautiful patina.
The paintwork is well preserved, but has naturally acquired some blemishes and quirks over the last 30 years or so. However, these are not substantial and fit in with the wonderful patinated look of the vehicle and its history. The color 5410 Adriablau corresponds to the delivery color code and exactly matches the color of Paul Ernst Strähle's V2 356 Carrera.
Particularly noteworthy is the corduroy and imitation leather interior, which has never been restored and remains in its original condition, including the Christophorus badge from the 1950s. Only the carpets have been replaced, as according to the delivery note, red-patterned coconut mats were originally fitted.
The vehicle has lived. You can see that in the 356, no question. But that's what makes it so special. This coupé is not a highly restored vehicle that has been restored to new condition. It is a vehicle with its own history, with imperfections, with rough edges. And that's precisely why it's a wonderful piece of automotive history.
The TÜV was only renewed in April 2025. The technology has been completely overhauled by a renowned master workshop in Nuremberg, so that the car is technically ready for its next adventures.
Viewings and test drives are of course possible at any time by prior appointment. The vehicle is being sold privately by us on behalf of a customer. Subject to errors and prior sale.