1959 | Porsche 356 A 1600 S

• Chassis: 107442

• Transmission: Manual gearbox

• Color: Aqua Marine Blue / Grey

• Nut&bolt restoration

• Beautiful color scheme

• Rare factory sunroof example

The 356

Porsche was anxious to prove its new sports car in competition, and on 11th July 1948 the open prototype had won its class at a race meeting at Innsbruck. In 1951 an aluminium-bodied works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race and 20th overall, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.
Aluminium cylinder heads were an early improvement (introduced in November 1949) while constant development would see the 356's engine progressively enlarged, with 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre units first becoming available in 1951. As the engine increased in both size and power, the inadequacies of the Volkswagen-type transmission were exposed, leading to the introduction of Porsche's own synchromesh gearbox - the Type 519 - in 1952. That same year the original split windscreen was replaced by a one-piece, while 1955 marked the arrival of the revised 356A model, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. At the same time, a 1,600cc engine replaced the old 1.5-litre unit and would be standardised on the successor 356B model. Regularly revised and updated, Porsche's landmark sports car would remain in production well into the 911 era, the final examples being built in 1965.

THIS 1959 356 A T2

Finished in the stunning and period-correct colour of Aqua Marine Blue (5707) with grey interior, this beautiful Porsche 356A with the desirable 1600 S engine was delivered new in Germany to an American Soldier. The current vendor purchased the car in 2016.  A complete bare-metal restoration, including a full mechanical overhaul, was then carried out. .The car was found to retain its numbers-matching panels and engine. 

The shell enjoyed a full respray in its a period correct color and all parts re-chromed. The interior was reupholstered in grey leather, with new carpeting and a new headliner. The engine and gearbox have been completely overhauled. New bearings, new synchros, new seals, valves,.... The entire mechanics are also new and have barely driven since restoration. Everything is in brand new condition.

This very handsome example shows an odometer reading of 100 kilometers - just for some preleminary testing the car - today. The Porsche 356 A coupé is widely viewed as the most attractive of the series. With its rare sunroof and perfect condition, this one is especially desirable.

The car is sold on behalf of a client.