*Inspection report attached at the bottom of the listing*
Highlights
- An immensely elegant car in very fine condition
- 1600cc twin-carb flat-four producing 75 horsepower
- Running and driving impeccably
- Professionally inspected by an independent company
The Appeal
The late 1950s and early ‘60s was something of a golden age for sports cars. And the Porsche 356 was to be the machine that forged the great marque’s enviable reputation for capable rear-engined performance.
Here we have a delightful 356A 1600 Super dating from 1959. It looks a very original car, with lots of period-correct features on show, and it’s presented in very good condition both mechanically and cosmetically.
The 356 is amongst Porsche’s most elegant creations and the soft top roof makes it very enjoyable to drive in the warmer months. Resplendent in its gleaming red paintwork and very original looking interior, this is a fabulous car that’s not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- ASI certification
- A ‘Certificate of Origin’ from Porsche is present, along with with an invoice for it dated 20/10/2005
- Italian registration documents
- Small collection of old servicing and parts invoices from marque specialists
- Road registered and ready to be driven
- Indicates 69,316 miles on the five-figure odometer, which we’re unable to verify
- Resprayed by the previous owner
The Interior
- Seemingly very original
- Black leather seat upholstery
- Sparsely furnished as befits a sporting vehicle
With modest horsepower compared to many of their competitors, weight saving was very much on Porsche’s agenda. One look at a 356’s interior and you can see that it was on a very strict diet.
All the controls, including the unusual ‘organ’ pedals and floor-mounted gear lever, are delicate and therefore lightweight. The footwells are lined simply in rubber matting which presents well overall, with a couple of splits around the accelerator. You do still get some carpeting, which looks to be in very good condition in this particular example, with little wear to report.
When it comes to comfort, the seats remain uncompromising and are upholstered in sumptuous leather. Likely retrimmed at some point to a high standard, they present very well with some gentle patina starting to develop with use. With no rear seats, there is some rearward luggage space and a tonneau neatly fixes into place when the roof is in its lowered position.
We particularly enjoy the period-correct steering wheel, switchgear and Blaupunkt radio which we understand is all in good working order. The three black VDO instruments with green lettering are utterly charming and exhibit a pleasing patina.
Overall, this is a smart and usable interior which has a great original feel to everything you interact with.
The Exterior
- Attractive red paintwork
- Manual soft top roof finished in black fabric
- Equipped with bumper overrider bars front and rear
One of, if not the most wonderful thing about a 356 is its shape and this 1959 example looks utterly breathtaking in shimmering red paint. There’s hardly a straight line to be seen and the resulting streamlined aesthetic conveys a sense of great speed.
We could hardly detect any blemishes in the paintwork which has evidently been applied to a very exacting standard. Underneath, there’s a fair quantity of underseal, but from what we could see, everything appears very sound. The bodywork looks really straight too, with good shut lines and panel fit all round.
The black soft top roof presents really well, with no obvious signs of excessive wear or damage. We’re informed that it operates smoothly and the rear window is clear. The car sits upon painted steel wheels which look to be in nice shape and they’re complete with smart chromed hubcaps.
We noted some gentle patination to the brightwork, including some slight deterioration to the door mirrors and a few marks on the overriders. We feel these superficial signs of use add to the car’s character and match the slightly worn-in feel of the interior.
We could spend hours just staring at this 356 and we’re sure its next fortunate owner won’t want to take their eyes off it either.
The Mechanics
- 1.6-litre air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine with twin carburettors
- Runs and drives very well
- Produced 75 horsepower from the factory
What made Porsches stand out from their competitors were the unusual mechanicals. The engine is of course to be found aft and, straying even further from convention, it’s an air-cooled, horizontally opposed four cylinder with the gearbox mounted in front of it.
We’re informed that this car remains mechanically unmodified from standard and so the next owner shall be able to enjoy a truly authentic period experience. That plucky little engine chirps into life and settles down to the steady thrum that air-cooled Porsche and Volkswagen fans will be familiar with.
It drives nicely too, with sprightly performance and we’re informed that there are no mechanical issues to report.
Summary
A very important car in the history of both Porsche and the sports car. We’re delighted to offer this charming example that’s ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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