Lot 242: 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Coupe

Although controversial in his inspiration and loyalties, Ferdinand Porsche was a gifted engineer and talented designer. Having served as technical director for Austro-Daimler, where he designed the Prince Henry model, and at Daimler in Germany where he was responsible for the S-Type Mercedes, he had a vision for a small car accessible to people of modest means. This became the Volkswagen, its development backed by Hitler though production was delayed by the war. At war’s end, Porsche was arrested by the French and incarcerated. Set free after the intervention of a number of influential Italians and the payment of a huge ransom by his son, Porsche returned to his native Austria and the manufacture of motor cars.

Porsche’s son, also Ferdinand but called 'Ferry' had built a special based on Volkswagen parts. After an enthusiastic review by a Swiss journalist, a small production run was made, Job 356 in the Porsche scheme of nomenclature. Early cars had the 1,131cc air-cooled flat four from the VW Beetle, a similar steel platform chassis and torsion bar suspension with swing axles at the rear. The body, in the familiar form continued for 18 years, was designed by Irwin Komenda, an Austrian engineer who had been with Porsche since 1931. Sprightly and agile, more than 50 cars were built at Porsche’s Austrian works at Gmünd, after which production moved to Germany, adjacent to the Reutter coachworks at Zuffenhausen. Nearly 80,000 were built in all models through 1966. The engine grew to 1,600cc by 1955, the year the 356A model was introduced, with a curved one-piece windshield, horn grilles and a fuel gauge. Revised suspension and increased legroom also characterized the 356A.

Painted in Glacier White with red leather interior, this Reutter-bodied 356A coupe was restored within the last few years. It has good paint and panel fit, and the flanges and floor pans are in good original condition. The interior is absolutely like new, with the German square weave carpets and rubber mats. The painted silver wheels are as new and are trimmed with wheel covers with crests. The 1600 engine runs and drives perfectly, and the transmission shifts very well. In all performance aspects the car operates without a problem. The odometer shows just over 36,000 miles. Though not documented, 34,000 miles is stated as ‘actual mileage’ on the title. The car is also equipped with visors with make up mirror and a Ponto outside rear view mirror. The jack and tool kit are included in the sale. This is an excellent example of a 356A Porsche, and is certain to please an owner enamored of spirited driving.