1958 Porsche 356

356A Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

102812

Gasoline

Exciting Find: 1958 Porsche 356A Coupé! Elaborately hand-assembled by old-world craftsmen in Zuffenhausen, Germany, 50-plus years later a well-kept Porsche 356A represents a profitable investment, for there are few collector cars that enjoy an equally high esteem among classic car buffs all over the world. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) And, last but not least, it is a lot of fun to drive such a car, not only with the awareness of possessing an important piece of sports car history, but also because no other sports car offers similar driving pleasures plus equally high everyday utility. Of course, all this come at a price! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Essentially, "A" Coupes come in two flavors: unrestored or restored. Attempting to rescue a rusty bargain-basement project can be hugely expensive (and frustrating), purchasing a 356A that has been completely restored will be beyond the means of all but the most affluent enthusiasts. Finding a decent example, especially one of the very desirable T-2 cars of 1958, that has seen much care and is ready to be enjoyed right away -- but is not a $75,000.00 trailer queen -- can be a daunting task, indeed. Here's one! Manufactured in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen very early in 1958, VIN *102812*, one of just 3,669 Reutter-bodied T-2 Coupés built during the model year, was shipped to America when new and has been a Southwestern U.S. resident ever since. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A plethora of books and records accompany the car. 48 chronologically filed receipts for repair and maintenance go back all the way to 1983 and total exactly $13,983.46. A few photos of a windows-out refinishing in 1987 are included as well. At 96,225 miles, in 1993, the car was purchased by its last caretaker, a wealthy collector residing in Phoenix, AZ. A few years later, it was shipped to its owner's retirement home in Santa Fe, NM. During the past 19 years, the 356 was driven a mere 2,566 well-documented miles. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's now inspect this fine Porsche in more detail, starting with the trunk. With the large fuel tank filling most of the available space, there's not much room for actual luggage. Fuel tank, lines, and sending unit have just been refurbished. Original tar-based sound deadening material is still present, a good omen. Note blue windshield washer fluid bag to the right of tank. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Spare and jack are present; battery box is in very nice condition, indeed. There have been no "clips;" this true survivor features its original sheet metal. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Turning our attention to the Porsche's voluptuous body, we admire its smooth coachwork. Mind you, the paint is 25 years old, but apart from a few minor dings, too small to spot in these photos, there are no ripples, waves, or other imperfections that would cause sleepless nights. Shut lines ("gaps") of doors and hoods are excellent. Fender lips and door bottoms are fully intact. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Date-coded, painted KPZ ("Kronprinz") steel wheels feature chromed SUPER hubcaps with cloisonné crests and have been fitted with radial tires of the dimension 165R15. Nice! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Sporting a correct--and most attractive--factory color, Signal Red (paint code 601), the Coupé's finish has remained superbly glossy and is complimented by good to excellent brightwork and weatherstripping throughout. Front and rear bumpers feature the correct, expensive, U.S. spec overrider bars. The original glass is in wonderful condition as well; windshield has a very small, repaired hairline crack. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A true highlight of the Porsche 356 is its roomy interior. At a time when most sports car enthusiasts had to make do with a cramped environment, the Germans devised a car that, though compact on the outside, offered plenty of room for two adults inside. Actually, with the folding rear bench in its upright position, the kids are able to enjoy the ride in the bathtub Porsche too! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Headliner still looks nice, despite a few stains and a small split near the passenger-side dome light. Sun visors, coat hooks, and rear view mirror are original to the car. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Topped by a perfectly crack free, upholstered safety pad, this dash is beautiful to behold, a masterpiece of ergonomics, and proof positive that less can indeed be more. From the large, two-spoke steering wheel with full horn ring, to the perfectly placed, chrome-bezelled instruments, ivory-colored knobs, and painted metal fascia, adorned with the small Meisterschaften badge, there's an aura of pure Fifties' precision, Made in Western Germany. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Note exciting details like the original rubber floor coverings, correct, German square weave wool carpeting, chrome grab handle, and the expensive BLAUPUNKT Frankfurt 6-Volt AM/FM radio, which works like a charm. Ash tray is unused, like new! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Jewel-like VDO Gauges; they all function perfectly! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Upholstered with Light Ivory leatherette and pleasantly firm, the front seats look inviting. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) There's minimal wear -- some would call it a "desirable patina only time can create"-- but no rips or tears anywhere. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear seatback can be folded forward to create a large luggage area. Side and door panel upholstery is in fabulous condition, carpeting is flawless. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Are you ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we leave, let's take a good look at engine compartment and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Lifting the single-grille deck lid reveals a very clean and tidy engine bay. Just like up front, in the trunk, the original sound deadening material is still present. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) However, there's a welcome surprise lurking here, the large air cleaners atop SOLEX 40 PII-4 carbs being a first clue: this "A" is not motivated by a measly 60hp Normal power plant. Instead, its Super engine # P 81451 has been fitted with a 616/36 case, barrels, and pistons. Now boasting of 102 hairy horses, this significant increase in power has transformed the innocent-looking '58 into a veritable Hot Rod! The original 4-speed transmission *17429*, build date 12/57, features BBAB gears and is perfectly suited to handle the extra oomph. A view most sellers of old Porsches would rather not show: the underbelly. We all know that corrosion is a vintage Porsche's chief enemy; a rusty or haphazardly repaired bottom will affect the unibody's entire structural integrity. On this particular 356, there is no need to hide anything. The driver side jack spur is missing, but a new one could easily be fitted. The floor pans, longitudinals, and diagonals all look 100% dry and intact; testament to a protected life away from salted roads and inclement weather. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Detailed pictures confirm: this is a nice, unrestored car, just the way a true connoisseur would want to find it. Note Ermie Immerso's Thunderbird sport exhaust, fitted back in the 1980s. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Tuesday, December 5, turned out to be another lovely day in the old mission town of San Buenaventura. Looking forward to exercise our little Coupé, we were not disappointed, to say the least! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Driving this exhilarating Porsche will really elevate your heartbeat! Throttle response is crisp, the engine sounding great as it revs to redline, abundant power signaling a thoroughly healthy state of affairs. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This Porsche corresponds with you, talks to you, urging you to rev up the engine and go fast. You are the Maestro, der Kapellmeister, creating music of a different kind, inconceivable to those who lack experience or understanding. With almost 100hp on tap, above 4,000 rpm this Porsche sounds incredible; it really makes you want to get up early on a Sunday morning just to hear it in full song, hurtling down some deserted backcountry road. In the realm of vintage sports cars, apart from these early Porsches, perhaps only a vintage 12-cylinder Ferrari possesses this much soul . . . Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we have come to the conclusion that this high-powered 356A must be the ideal collector vehicle for folks who actually drive their cars. This one doesn't have any bad habits; within the last 500 miles, $3,694.92 was spent to ensure the car can be driven anywhere without concern. Apart from going through the entire fuel system, a full tune up was performed, axle bearings were replaced as needed, a new brake master cylinder and brake hoses were installed, as well as a new starter and battery. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's one of the most desirable sports cars on the planet, boasting of fantastic appreciation rates, exotic-looking, with present-day performance, and yet, it's utterly reliable and simple to maintain; definitely not a primadonna. "Classic car ownership in its purest form" -- if you are ready to participate, here's a rare opportunity: a quick scan of eBay revealed that the Signal Red beauty is the only 356A Coupé offered for sale in the U.S. at this time! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear New Mexico Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2011 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. 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