Highlights:
- German delivery
- With three previous owners, all in Germany
- Matching Colors
- Kardex available
- Interior in original condition
- Stunning patina
- Original vehicle handover certificate from 1957
The A version of the Porsche 356 was offered in various body variants between September 1955 and August 1959. At the beginning of the 356 A series, five engine types were 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 were equipped with a 4-speed gearbox with Porsche ring synchronization. A total of 21045 units of the Porsche 356 A were produced in all variants over its entire production period. The base price of the S version was DM 13,800.
The vehicle:
Among the coupés produced in the 1957 model year, there are probably very few that exude such original charm as this Adriatic blue example. So it is not surprising that we could hardly contain our enthusiasm when we first inspected the vehicle. Getting into this Porsche 356 literally takes you on a journey back in time to the German economic miracle era.
This brings us to the first thing that makes this car so special in our eyes. This 356 is a German first delivery that was never exported or imported, was only ever registered in Germany and for which the entire previous owner history is known.
This Porsche 356 A Coupé was delivered to its first owner on April 15, 1957 in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen as the 1600 with the 60 hp engine. The original vehicle handover 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 patient visits. However, he also had to drive the 356 over unpaved roads, which were common at the time, in order to reach his patients quickly.
Historical photographs also show this Porsche 356 on the Grossglockner, on the San Bernardino Pass and on the Italian Adriatic.
The Kardex of this vehicle shows that the Coupé was given a more powerful engine at the request of its first owner on January 7, 1965, when the Porsche was already almost 8 years old and had already driven 103,704 km. This engine upgrade was carried out by the same authorized Porsche dealer from which the first owner had purchased the vehicle almost 8 years earlier. The engine installed in 1965, an original Porsche 356 A Super unit with now 75 hp, is an engine from 1957 (matching the year of construction of the coupé), which was obtained from Porsche Customer Service. A gearbox adapted to this engine was also installed. Last but not least, the lettering "Porsche 356 Super" was added. This ennobled the vehicle as a 356 A 1600 Super. This engine-transmission combination is still installed in the vehicle today.
The Porsche workshop Fuchs in 55606 Kirn probably acquired the vehicle in 1993. An appraisal dated 15.10.1993 for DM 74,740 exists. The vehicle had previously been partially restored and the engine overhauled. A copy of the vehicle registration document from that time is also available.
On 12.07.2005, the third owner took over the vehicle directly from Mr. Fuchs. During this time, the 356 was mainly driven in southern Germany, predominantly in Upper Franconia, preferably on pleasure trips. For personal reasons, the third owner handed the Porsche over to a friend and collector in Nuremberg in March 2023, 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 is in keeping with the overall history of the vehicle. With a little ongoing work, 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 is less advisable due to the very beautiful patina.
The paintwork is in good condition, but has of course acquired some blemishes and imperfections over the last 30 years, although these are not substantial and are in keeping with the wonderful patinated appearance of the vehicle and its history. The color 5410 Adriatic blue corresponds to the delivery color code and is exactly the color of Paul Ernst Strähle's V2 356 Carrera.
The interior made of corduroy and imitation leather, which has never been restored and is still in its original condition today, including the Christophorus badge from the 1950s, should be emphasized in any case. Only the carpets have been replaced; according to the delivery bill, red-patterned coconut mats were used here.
The vehicle has lived. You can see that in the 356, no question about it. But that is precisely what makes it so special. This coupé is not a highly restored vehicle that has been restored to new car condition. It is a vehicle with its own history, with flaws, with rough edges. And that is precisely why it is a wonderful piece of automotive history.
The MOT was only renewed in April 2025. The technology was 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.