Vehicle Description
This 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Coupe was completed at the factory on
October 17, 1957 and shipped to the United States where it was
reportedly sold new in San Francisco, CA. This car was originally
finished in Aquamarine Blue with a Red Leatherette interior, fitted
with Sealed Beam Headlights, USA Bumpers and a speedometer that
indicated miles.
This is a nicely restored and well-sorted Porsche retains its
original engine, gearbox and opening panels. It was restored in a
handsome very color combination several years ago by a noted
enthusiast and has nicely aged via the 10,000 miles it has done
since the restoration was completed. During the restoration, the
car was stripped and repainted and found to have been quite
original. The interior was trimmed in leather using correct
carpeting and proper interior detailing. The mechanical systems
were all tended to including brakes, tires, shock absorbers,
steering damper, and a comprehensive transmission rebuild at that
time. As part of the restoration, the instruments were removed and
rebuilt by Palo Alto Speedometer. The car is nicely equipped with
clock, full leather interior, Blaupunkt AM-FM shortwave radio, USA
bumpers with over-riders and side trim. Since the restoration,
considerable amount of time, effort and money have been put into
the car to ensure its drivability and correctness. A detailed and
lengthy invoice is on file from Autosport Designs dated 2011 and
another one from 2013. Also on file is an email from 2014 where a
former owner, Mr. Preston (Rochester Hills, Michigan), recounts his
efforts and expense, which were considerable.
The body and paint finish have been very nicely preserved since the
restoration. Consistently straight panels display excellent gaps
and fit. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains very
nice, although there are a few small scratches, chips and cracks
from normal use. None of this detracts from the otherwise fine
driver level presentation. The majority of the chrome on the car
was redone and remains in excellent condition, including the
wheels, hubcaps, light trims, window trim, and door handles. The
glass and lights are excellent throughout, and the headlamp lenses
display correct Hella markings. The car shows great attention to
detail, including European amber tail light lenses, and transparent
red antenna tip.
The interior is handsomely finished and trimmed in leather and now
shows just the right amount of patina for a car that has been
driven. The headliner is beautiful, the square weave carpeting and
molded rubber floor mats are the correct type and remain in
excellent shape. The dashboard features nicely restored
instruments, including the clock, which all function as expected.
The Blaupunkt radio also works, with all switches and controls
functional and in excellent visual condition. Competition type lap
belts have been fitted, but the interior is otherwise very much as
it would have been new.
The engine compartment is very clean, nicely detailed, and correct
throughout. The trunk is nicely restored and well-detailed,
consistent with the rest of the car. The fuel tank was
reconditioned and a new rubber mat, washer bag, restored spare and
leather strap are all properly retained with the car. The underside
of the car has been restored with new floors and undercoating. The
car runs and drives very well and has been trouble-free for the few
hundred miles it has accrued during our testing process while in
inventory. This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a high
quality, desirably equipped 356A. The sunroof added to this
well-optioned and matching numbers Porsche makes it an even more
appealing car.