Highlights

Restored approximately four years ago, with little use since
Late (last model year) 'Pre-A ' Coupé
European delivered example, delivered new to a US Serviceman
Supplied through the Pa. Hahn dealership in Stuttgart with Continental specification features
Original factory delivery documentation accompanies the car
Photographic record of restoration work included in the sale

The Appeal

The Porsche 356 is rightly regarded as one of the most influential sports cars in the history of the automobile. Designed by Ferry Porsche based on his father's air-cooled Volkswagen concept, the 356 pioneered lightweight monocoque construction, making the most of its relatively modest power output. It laid the foundation for the 911 and is still regarded as among the most beautiful cars of all time.

This example is the desirable early 'Pre-A' model, delivered on 3rd October 1955 by the Pa. Hahn dealership in Stuttgart to Mr Stephen I. Richards, a US serviceman stationed in Germany, as confirmed by the APO 288 military postal code on the original delivery document. It was specified with a number of US-market features, including a speedometer calibrated in miles, sealed-beam headlamps, indicators, and a Telefunken D54V radio, all finished in Silver (code 5406A).

The survival of the original delivery paperwork adds a notable layer of provenance, linking the car directly to the post-war era when American servicemen stationed in Europe frequently took delivery of new German sports cars.

The vendor acquired the Porsche approximately seven years ago from the well-known classic car dealer Franz Wittner. We're informed that the subsequent restoration, lasting around a year, was carried out without compromise and to the highest standards. Cryogenic sandblasting was employed to strip the body back to bare metal without residue, and the mechanical rebuild was equally thorough, resulting in a brand-new engine showing zero kilometres since completion. While the engine is not the matching-numbers unit, it is the correct type and series for the model.

During the restoration, traces of the original factory paint were discovered beneath a door pillar, enabling expert painters to recreate the precise period-correct shade as specified under the identification plate. The interior was completely renewed using original specification materials as documented on the car's Kardex, with the work carried out by the noted restoration specialist Ferraresi.

The quality of the finished car has been recognised with an award at a prestigious concours. Since the restoration's completion, the car has been garage-stored, carefully maintained, and sparingly used. The result is a beautifully presented early 356 Coupé in superb condition.

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History and Paperwork

First owner: Mr Stephen I. Richards, a US serviceman stationed in Germany (APO 288)
Original factory delivery documentation retained, confirming delivery date, mileage at delivery (2,500), colour, and special equipment
History of use in the USA before being brought to Italy for restoration
Acquired approximately seven years ago from classic car dealer Franz Wittner
Restored to original specification approximately four years ago
~26,000 miles indicated
Inspection valid to May 2028

The Condition

Cryogenic sandblasting carried out during restoration to strip the body without residue
Paintwork recreated to the original factory colour, identified from paint traces found beneath a door pillar during restoration: Silver (silberm), code 5406A
Interior completely renewed using original specification materials as documented on the car's Kardex
Interior restoration carried out by the noted specialist Ferraresi
Garage-stored since restoration with limited use
Matching luggage included
Continental-spec sealed-beam headlamps and indicators
Telefunken D54V radio

Silver over red is, to many, the quintessential 356 colour combination. As the photographs attest, it looks particularly well on this example following an outstanding restoration. The restoration is documented in a series of pictures, showing the sheer extent of the work.

Seven decades had taken their toll on this car's bodywork, so many panels required extensive repair or replacement, which was evidently carried out to a very good standard. The interior presents a similarly well-preserved restoration, with period corduroy-centred seats and the correct Telefunken D54V radio, along with some matching luggage.

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The Mechanics

60 horsepower 1.5-litre air-cooled flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Non-matching numbers, but the correct Type 546-2 model engine fitted, within the correct serial number range
Rebuilt '0-kilometre' engine fitted during the restoration
The vendor states the mechanical restoration was carried out using new and original specification parts
Speedometer calibrated in miles, as originally specified for the US-market buyer
Beautifully presented engine compartment

This 356 comes with the coveted 1.5-litre version of Porsche's celebrated air-cooled flat-four. The engine currently fitted is not original to the car, but it is the correct Type 546-2 unit, from within the correct range (number P34256).

We understand that all this car's mechanical needs were attended to during the restoration, resulting in a very fit example of the marque, ready to be driven and enjoyed as its makers intended all those years ago.

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BEFORE YOU BUY

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