Vehicle Description
1959 Porsche 356A SUPER Sunroof Coupe
� Chassis Number: 107755 (T2 A by Reutter)
� Engine Number: 84013 (Number Matches Kardex)
� Engine Type: 616/2 - 1,600cc, 75 Horsepower "Super"
� Transmission Number: 27850 (Number Matches Kardex)
� Transmission Type: 716 - 4-speed Manual, Full Synchromesh
This Porsche 356A coupe was completed on May 22, 1959, and is
number 1,580 of 2,742 coupes built for the 1959 model year. At the
factory, it was finished in Meissen Blue and optioned with the
ultra-desirable "Super" engine, US overrider bumpers, and Phoenix
tires. Being a USA model, it was imported by Hoffman and delivered
to its first owner, Miller (1959 - 1982), of Phoenix, Arizona.
Subsequent owners are all known and include, Straus (Oregon 1983 -
1989), Rees (Oregon 1990 - 2006), Nielsen (Oregon 2006 - 2018) and
Dang (Texas 2018 - 2020).
The 356 was lovingly maintained by each owner and was eventually
painted a dark red metallic. Mr. Neilsen was an avid Porsche
collector and was well-known among 356 owners. During his
ownership, he drove the car almost daily. The only option the 356
lacked that Mr. Neilson desired was a Goldie sunroof. At great
expense, he sourced an OEM factory 356A sunroof clip and had it
professionally installed. In 2010, he began a restoration. Rather
than send it elsewhere for work he was capable of doing, he
undertook the task at home and relied on the help of specialists
when necessary. It was a fairly straightforward restoration since
the body, underside and inner structures were in good shape
overall. The metallic burgundy paint it had worn for years was
stripped, and the body was sanded and prepared for the Aquamarine
Blau paintwork. The paintwork was done quite well and looks more
recent than it actually is, however where this 356 really shines is
in the trim department. There isn't a reproduction part on the
exterior of this car including the glass, rubber, bumperette, and
shine up license plate light with all of the original parts being
in fantastic condition.
Upon arrival at European Collectibles, the floor pans,
undercarriage, and suspension were stripped to steel, everything
was in great original condition, then a concours-correct
undercoating was applied, and all of the suspension was painted.
Next, the body panels were inspected and confirmed to be matching
to the car. The date codes on the fuel tank, sending unit, seat
hinges, and all five wheels are correct for the build date of the
car. The interior was showing some age, so the decision was made to
have a new interior installed. The seats, door panels, and dash top
were covered in the correct shade of red with German oatmeal square
weave carpets and black rubber mats were installed. The headliner
and sun visors were in good shape, so they were left as they were.
All mechanical systems were checked and every light and switch was
found to be operational. Additional options include a secondhand
clock, AM Blaupunkt radio, and a Hirschmann Red Tip antenna. On the
road, it performs very well and the matching "SUPER" (75HP) engine
is noticeably more powerful with 25% more horsepower than the
"Normal" 1600cc engines with a mere 60HP. The matching 716 4-speed
manual transmission shifts smoothly, and the four-wheel drum brakes
stop the car straight. This is the last year of the 356A Coupes and
they are truly the best to drive. One of the most desirable 356s
and they are indeed getting very difficult to find!
