Lot 244: 1957 Porsche 356 with 200 bhp engine

There are numerous reasons why the 356 series came into being, and also why Porsche became a major sports car manufacturer; the main one is that Professor Porsche was very impressed with what Piero Dusio was doing with uprated Fiat parts in the construction of his Cisitalias. These were excellent little sports and racing cars and Dr. Porsche wondered if he could do the same with Volkswagen parts. The first 356 was sold in July 1948, and production continued right through to 1965 in various guises and with numerous engines. As the company's first production model, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and gained its laurels in all manner of circuit racing and rallying. In October 1955 the 356A model was introduced; numerous innovations came with this new car based upon the experiences of the initial 356 series. The engine, suspension and transmission were all updated resulting in a far superior car. Three body styles were offered, all built by Reutter in Stuttgart: the coupe, the Speedster, and the cabriolet.This 356A is a serious Porsche fast road or racing machine in all respects in that it was conprehensively rebuilt in 2007 to -as the vendor describe - Corsa - or racing specification.Most importantly the car is running with a correct 4 cylinder 2400cc engine that produces a huge 200 bhp - which in such a lightweight machine makes for a very quick car.The car also has the added benefit of front wheel disc brakes in order to control and stop this fast and nimble car.There car be fewer machines so satisfying to own and drive than a well developed Porschge 356 Coupe - a classic in any event and a fantastic all-rounder!