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 and
fitted with Sealed Beam Headlights, USA Bumpers and a speedometer
that indicated miles.
This is a nicely restored and well-sorted Porsche that retains its
original engine, gearbox and opening panels. It was restored in a
handsome color combination several years ago and has aged
gracefully during the 10,000 miles it has seen 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 a clock, full leather
interior, Blaupunkt AM-FM shortwave radio, USA bumpers with
over-riders and side trim. During this time, a Golde Weathershield
sunroof was added to the existing roof. The work was done very well
and includes the addition of correct drain tubes in the A and C
pillars.
Since the restoration a 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 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 and 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.