1959 Porsche 356

A Coupe

Matching #

Manual

105651

Clear

Gasoline

This 356A is being offered for sale for the very first time. This car was special ordered by the current owner in 1958, which means that even Porsche never offered it for sale. This car is well known in the Florida 356 community (FOG) and is known as "Bismark". This car was featured in the 356 Registry magazine (Volume 33, Number 33 Sept / Oct 2009) in the original owner's column. Most of the car's history (both good and bad) can be found in that article. "Bismark" was originally ordered in black with a red interior, but early in its life (circa early 60's) the car was changed to its current livery of white with red. The car has had several re-paints in white with the final being a bare metal re-spray which was completed around 1983. We have some slides (once a way to protect your photos has become a vault to keep people from seeing them in this digital age) of the car in bare metal dated May 1983. At the time of the paint job repairs were made to the under side including a partial pan, longitudinal work, and various patches. All this work is heavily detailed in the estimates and receipt (just some of the substantial paperwork that comes with this car) from that job. It must be kept in mind that in 1983 "Bismark" was just an old car, not a collectable. The underside work that was done was performed with function not cosmetics in mind; therefore, you will not impress road kill while driving over it. But it should also be kept in mind that this work has stood the test of time, as it is now "older" than the car was when the work was done. This is not a show car. This is a car that was used as a car not a toy for much of its life, and carries its approx. 300,000 miles as a badge of honor (The car was driven 25K miles the first year, and had its first scheduled service the morning after delivery, as the owner could not stop driving it that night). "Bismark" is best described as a five footer, and a "driver". And driving is where this car excels. The original engine was re-built in approx. 2009 with new piston / cylinders / crank, etc... and is sweet. The low mileage matching number engine idles like a sewing machine and pulls like a freight train. The original transmission is like butter. The steering is dead on as you would expect from a 356 with a ZF steering box. The brakes are excellent with not a hint of pull. There are no shakes or shimmy's. The car handles like it's on rails. The car simply drives spectacularly, and is ready to be driven any where!! (I own and race 356's, and this is one of the best driving 356's of any vintage I have ever driven.) All maintenance and work performed on this car in the past 55 years was done professionally, as the owner did no mechanical work himself, and always used shops specializing in European cars. The car is currently shod with 5.5 inch chrome rims with the originals being lost to the ages. However, the car has its original spare tire which may still be inflated with 55 year old German air. The tool kit is included but is only partially complete with correct tools. Also included is the owner's manual, body warranty book, and original service book. Of course we also have the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA) to support the owners claims. Also included in the sale is all of the owner's known receipts, Porsche books, awards, memorabilia accumulated over the years, the original head rest (not currently installed), a luggage rack, a vintage suit case (that fits the rack), and misc. parts, trinkets, etc... Every thing the owner has that is either Porsche or Bismark related is included in the sale. The car is located in Seminole Florida which is in the Tampa Bay area, and is available for inspection by appointment. I encourage serious parties to see the car. All inspections must be made prior to the end of the auction. If you are not prepared to buy, then please don't bid. It must be stated that I am NOT the owner of Bismark. I am a friend of the owner who is helping him sell this car after tragic circumstances has left him unable to enjoy it like he had for nearly 55 years. I am an active member of FOG (Florida 356 Group) 356 Registry, PCA, SCCA. I have NO horse in this race. I am not a broker or a car salesman. All financials will be handled by the owner and / or his son. I believe I have stated all the facts correctly. Should I find that I have not, I will edit this listing to correct them ASAP. The owner reserves the right to cancel this auction at anytime or for any reason prior to the conclusion date. Payment must be made within 7 days of the end of the auction via wire transfer. There will be a 7 day holding period after funds are in place (10 day for international transfers) unless prior arrangements have been made with the owner. This should not be a problem, as it usually takes at least that long to arrange shipping anyway. Delivery, shipping and/or pickup is the the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Bismark is a rare one owner 1959 356A driver with his history intact. He is ready to share his many stories (and make new ones) with a new owner, while hopefully barreling down a country road at illicit speeds just the way he likes it. The owner tells me that ole "Bismark" hates golf courses! Digital test drives can be taken on YouTube below. http://youtu.be/Q_DPCMvu7sY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMsysnCKcD0