Vehicle Details
- Year: 1956
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 1600 Coupe
- VIN: 55498
- Mileage: 35,836
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Aquamarine Blue Metallic
- Seller: DNAMotorsports911
- Seller Type: Dealer (Personal Vehicle)
- Location: San Diego, CA 92121
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0012565
We are pleased to offer this 1956 Porsche 356A 1600 Reutter Coupe finished in Aquamarine Blue Metallic over red leatherette upholstery. In 1956, Porsche celebrated the presentation of its 10,000th car, a 356A. Compared to its original pre-A predecessor, the 356A was significantly more developed and offered a larger 1600cc engine. This first-year example rolled off the assembly line on February 8th, 1956, with optional sealed-beam headlights and a miles-per-hour speedometer. It was acquired by the current owner several years ago and has been gradually restored with a full professional repaint, replacements of steering components, and installation of an upgraded 1500 Super engine sourced from a 1955 Speedster. A beautifully presented example of an early Porsche 356, this Coupe is now being offered for auction by its seller out of California.
This 356A was factory finished in the rare color of Aquamarine Blue Metallic and was professionally repainted under the seller’s ownership about two and a half years ago. Some repair to the metalwork on the jack points and front cross member was also completed during this time. The seller adds that the car has been recently polished to achieve a lustrous finish, detailed images are provided in the photo gallery. The 356A debuted new T1 bodywork with a single-piece curved windshield, front indicators integrated into the horn grilles, a redesigned Porsche-crested bonnet handle, and new 15” wheels. The factory wheels on this example feature chromed hubcaps and period-style Uniroyal tires.
Inside, you will find a red leatherette upholstered cabin with matching carpets, a beige headliner, and a painted dashboard. The interior is said to have been redone at some point by a previous owner and some signs of wear and patina are visible throughout. The original miles per hour speedometer has been retained and a radio block off plate has been fitted on the dashboard. The seller reports all gauges and electrical components to be fully functional.
Under the current ownership, a 1500 Super engine was sourced from a 1955 Speedster. The engine was subsequently rebuilt and upgraded with 86mm pistons and cylinders along with a lightened flywheel. It was reportedly dyno-tuned and tested with an output of approximately 95 HP. Sending power to the rear wheels is a 4-speed manual transmission which was also taken apart and inspected during the current ownership. Other mechanical items addressed in recent years include replacements of the front wheel cylinders, steering box, and tie rod ends. An assortment of records and invoices are said to be available and images of the undercarriage are provided in the gallery.
This sale will include a collection of records, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a clean title. Marking a significant chapter in Porsche’s history, this first-year 356A is an excellent choice for any enthusiast of early air-cooled cars.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $89,500
- Auction End: Aug 31, 2021 07:43:39PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 16
Comments (30)
Good deal if there was no reserve
Bid in the amount of $89,500
Bid in the amount of $89,000
Bid in the amount of $88,000
Bid in the amount of $87,500
Bid in the amount of $85,356
Bid in the amount of $80,000
Bid in the amount of $70,356
As the auction draws to a close feel free to ask any questions about the car. I will answer them as soon as possible. Good luck!
Bid in the amount of $65,000
Bid in the amount of $60,356
Bid in the amount of $56,356
Bid in the amount of $32,356
@PAOLODEA2 if you look at photo #54 which is the underside of the driver's front fender you can see a fine line going across it. That's evidence of that body section being cut out and repaired or replaced. However it seems to be very well done and not a case of a 50 dollar repair when the car was only worth $500. And on the non-numbers matching case, the Pre-A speedster engine in the car is more valuable than the original so it could easily be sold if the proper case was found. Which was my original plan. And on your other comment I'm definitely a devotee, one step away from putting 20W-50 in my cereal every morning.
Beautiful car even though not numbers matching. Based on available records and/or ownership papers, is there any trace of accident damage versus "pure restoration" work over its life?
@DNAMotorsports911 - Loved the exchange...."how it'll look n the Hamptons...." Porsche devotees or newbees...? Love it.
@211Broadway this car will look good in the Hamptons any day of the week. Extra points for a lovely lady in the passenger seat.
@artichoke No issues to fix come to mind. Structurally the car is in great shape and when we replaced the front crossmemeber is was structurally sound. It was only cosmetically ugly as some tow truck driver had used hooks on it at some pointed deforming it slightly. And mechanically it's in excellent shape. I had the engine dyno tested and tuned at Scott's Porsche Parts in National City. It was a neat experience and led to the car driving beautifully!
But will it look good in the Hamptons on a Saturday afternoon?
Bid in the amount of $31,250
Bid in the amount of $31,000
What a gorgeous car! Any mechanical or structural issues that require attention?
Bid in the amount of $20,000
@SimpleCar I'll try to find some pictures of the metal work we did underneath (replaced the jack points and front crossmemeber rest of the floor pan is in very good shape). In regards to the body the car had been stripped down and then painted (by the previous owner) but after we acquired the car the painter that takes care of all my body work and paint deemed it safe to paint over the existing paint. So after doing some minor repairs on the doors and hood the car was repainted as you see it now. And after 2 years the paint still looks immaculate. I shall ask him for pictures of the repairs he made and post them.
@DNAMotorsports911 Great 356! Was the car taken down to bare metal when you had it painted? Do you have any photos you can share of before and during the repaint? In particular the metalwork that was done. Thanks!
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@utopify When I purchased the car it had a 61 normal engine in it. After I bought this car I purchased a 1959 356 A that had the 1955 Speedster engine currently in this 356. I tried to track down the original engine, however, none of my resources were successful in locating it. So since I went in the direction of an "outlaw" with the 59 I decided to drop the 55 engine in after giving up the search.
Beautiful! Great color combination. There is mention that "under current ownership" the motor was replaced. Was the engine taken out the original engine to the car? Would the sale include that motor by chance? Thank you.
Bid in the amount of $3,560
Hello everyone! As the seller of this vehicle I'm looking forward to answering any questions you guys might have. Also please feel free to ask for any specific pictures of the vehicle and I will to get them to you as soon as possible. Good luck with the auction!