For Sale: 1959 Porsche 356 in Houston, Texas

1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Reutter Cabriolet

Chassis No. 151812
Engine No. 73618
Transmission No. 26888

A Wonderful 356A Convertible in Rare Amalfi Blue over Red Livery, as Delivered
Complete Numbers-Matching Throughout
Verified by Porsche Kardex & Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Near Lifelong - Dry & Solid - Texas Car
With Concours Correct Tool Kit, Manual, Jack & Spare Tire Assembly

The 356 model line expanded and evolved throughout the 1950s and quickly gained an enthusiastic following with each subsequent new variant. Mechanical improvements and additional comfort increased drivability. Further changes took place in 1958 with new steering and the now twin carbureted, 1,600 cc engine reverting back to standard bearings and cast-iron cylinders. With their beautifully minimalistic design and carefree drivability, 356A's and Pre-A's have become highly sought after and truly represent the core essence of Porsche.

Offered here is a sporting example of the final model year 356 A Cabriolet. 151812 was completed on March 26, 1959 as a U.S. specification Ruetter Cabriolet, distributed by Hoffman Motor Car Company of New York, wearing Amalfi Blue / Silver Metallic paint over Red Leatherette and Corduroy upholstery - a unique color combination that we have yet to find on another car. Optional equipment included USA bumpers, Dunlop tires and "Boge" shock absorbers - All confirmed by accompanying Porsche Kardex and Certificate of Authenticity. We suspect the car might have come with a supplemental silver hardtop.

As a near lifelong Texas car, this Cabriolet is said to have had just 4 owners from new with a written summary of the 356's history compiled by it most previous caretaker on file. Residency includes Houston, Austin, San Antonio and California. Over the last few decades the Porsche has received cosmetic and mechanical freshening as needed, and appears very honest throughout. The original (812) stamped bonnet and (12) decklid remain fitted, along with date coded wheels (5/59 x3, 6/59 x1 & 5/57 x1). The Cabriolet's paintwork has mellowed very nicely with tight panel fit and much of the trim presents as original. In 2007, the top was replaced with a Robbins zip-out window, while preserving the original headliner and Reutter frame (67349). Autos International provided the gorgeous leather seating and oatmeal wool square weave carpeting in recent years.

A matching spare tire assembly with leather strap resides up front, along with a concours quality jack and complete tool kit, while the engine bay is very tidy and largely correct, displaying its original numbers-matching powerplant. Over the years, an arid central Texas environment has treated 151812's chassis very well, which appears original from front to tail with an additional coat of paint, as expected.

Acceleration, shifting and braking are beautifully dialed in, with a recent May 2018 service, including new Boge shocks, battery, ignition consumables, as well as a rebuild and tune of the Zenith carburetors. A truly versatile instrument for nearly any vintage automotive event - in unique factory form, this 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Reutter Cabriolet offers many possibilities to its next caretaker and is now available for worldwide purchase and delivery from our Houston, Texas showroom.