Vehicle Details
- Year: 1959
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356A
- VIN: 108074
- Mileage: 62,049
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Ruby Red
- Seller: blackcarl
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Houston, TX 77346
- Lot #: V-0007759
We are pleased to offer this 1959 Porsche 356 A Coupe finished in Ruby Red over a brown leatherette interior. Marking the final production year for the 356 A, this 1959 example is said to have been purchased by its current owner over 40 years ago before undergoing a full bare metal restoration approximately 30 years ago, an upgraded 356 C 1600 engine 25 years ago, and another major $7k mechanical overhaul within the last 6 years. Presented in excellent running order and offered with original books, tools, service records, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 356 is now being listed by its long-term owner in Texas while showing approximately 62k miles on the 5-digit odometer.
During its initial restoration 30 years ago by Roy Smalley of Autowerks in Dallas, Texas, this 356 was taken down to bare metal and refinished in its original color of Ruby Red. The engine bay was powder coated at this time and the battery-box floor panel was replaced along with the front and rear bonnets. Bumpers were also added, and the seller confirms the original floor pan to be intact. The paint is said to remain in good condition with some patina, chips, and a few surface bubbles. Aftermarket chrome wheels are currently installed and dressed in Michelin tires.
Inside, the brown leatherette interior is said to have been kept in good condition. An original Blaupunkt radio has been restored and installed, the electrical system has been converted to 6-volt, and the instruments were refurbished by Palo Alto Speedometer. The windshield wipers are said to have intermittent issues, the interior lights do not come on when the doors open, and the seller confirms all other gauges and accessories to be working properly.
This 356 is said to have been upgraded with a later-model 356 C 1600 engine 25 years ago. The factory 4-speed manual gearbox has been retained, which sends approximately 75 HP to the rear wheels. A major mechanical overhaul was carried out 6 years ago at a cost of over $7k which included upgraded carburetors that eliminated the need for the choke. The original carburetors are included and the seller notes that the oil filter was also relocated to underneath the wheel well for improved cooling. Service records are included and this 356 is said to be in strong running order.
This sale will include 1 master key, a duplicate owner’s manual, a toolkit, jack, the original carburetors, service records, and a clean title. This 356 A makes the perfect driver for any enthusiast in search of an early air-cooled vehicle.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $60,356
- Auction End: Dec 29, 2020 08:15:00PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 14
Comments (38)
@R3Nterprises I am relieved my little Ruby Red 356 A Coupe is going to a good home
@blackcarl Now the 6 volt electrical conversion comment makes sense...
Thanks for clarifying, and congrats on the auction!
Sold for $60,356
Bid in the amount of $60,356
Bid in the amount of $57,000
Bid in the amount of $55,356
Bid in the amount of $53,356
Great example and solid seller. No worries bidding on this one! I wish I had cash and space in the garage!
Bid in the amount of $52,356
@JamesW Not necessarily but I suppose if the winning bidder wants to export this little 356 A Coupe it would be going to a good home somewhere in the world...which is what I care about.
@R3Nterprises The toolkit cover, except for the strap, plus several of the tools are original. The other tools are repos. I also have tan sisal floor mats, a bra, the original hubcaps and a car cover that will be included. Those 356 books that are pictured are also included.
@R3Nterprises Actually it had been converted to a 12 volt system but when I had the Blaupunk radio restored by Wilford Wilkes at the Vintage Radio Shop, I changed it back to a 6-volt system.
Ps
Is the toolkit complete and original?
Very pretty Coupe.
In the comments section, it says “electrical system converted to 6 volt...”
I think you may mean converted to 12 volt, correct?
Bid in the amount of $40,250
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Are you for the car to be exported?
Obviously depending on the price.
Bid in the amount of $36,500
@ppalmer It matches maybe the photo or lighting is causing the problem. They were painted at the same time
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Is it me ? Does the door paint & front fender paint match ?
THANK YOU
PAUL
Bid in the amount of $31,000
@Ricardo356 Hello. Please place a bid to avoid the risk of losing the chance at this beautiful A coupe. Should reserve not be reached, the bidders will have the the first chance at a purchase. As the seller said, the reserve is reasonable and this beautiful, long-term owner example should be finding a new home.
Best of luck.
@Ricardo356 The reserve is not unreasonable. This is a good little Coupe that I’ve had a ton of fun with.
There is a reserve on this auction, correct? What options for purchase are there if the reserve is not met??
@jsadamski Are you referring to the extra oil filter which was done to cool the oil or are you referring to the C engine which was installed because the A engine block split open.
@blackcarl with this comment if this is true can someone please explain
Bid in the amount of $26,000
@blackcarl It is difficult to see in the photo but the number stamped on the engine is:
715092 which according to my research is a 1964 “C” engine.
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@fc356 Yes that is right. My 356 mechanic recommended that I do it.
@blackcarl so in essence you have 2 oil filters....the usual one and the extra. I had the same setup on my SC , keeping the typical filter and also installing the Precision Matters filter
@fc356 The oil filter is in the rear wheel cavity on the driver’s side. It is connected to the engine with metal hoses. Ray Lietz in California made this modification. Difficult to get a photo but I will see if it can be done.
@fc356 I do not have photos of the undercarriage but the floor pan has not been replaced or patched. I have probably put about 19 or 20,000 miles since it was restored. It is difficult to estimate how many more miles are on the 1964 C engine. It is a strong engine. I had the valves adjusted in August and it runs great.
@blackcarl Nice A coupe. Do you have pics of undercarriage and if so can you post them. Also pics of oil cooler . Can you estimate total miles since restoration and also total miles on engine since rebuild. Thank you
I have owned and cared for this 356 for over 40 years. I drive it once or twice a week to keep it in good running condition. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.