Lot 178: Porsche 356A 1600 Coup�

Cette Porsche 356 Coup� livr�e neuve � Sacramento (Californie) n'a connu qu'une seul propri�taire de 1974 � 2008 comme l'atteste son titre am�ricain. Ce dernier fit proc�der � une restauration totale pour plus de 50 000 dollars (dossier de factures disponible) qui fut r�alis�e par le distributeur Porsche/Mercedes local � Burlingame (Californie). La voiture exempte de corrosion a �t� repeinte et regarnie en cuir � l'int�rieur, toute l'ornementation chrom�e �tant retrait�e. Pratiquement, tous les organes m�caniques ont �t� refaits. De nouveaux joints de carrosserie ont �t� pos�s et les jeux d'ouverture de carrosserie comme les accessoires sont impeccables. Cette rare et d�sirable Porsche 356 (� matching numbers � comme le confirment les documents joints) est propos�e � la vente, droits d'entr�e dans l'Union Europ�enne pay�s. Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his independent automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. The work of Ferry Porsche, the Type 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, Ferdinand and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminium-bodied cars built at Gm�nd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 coup� at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then (from 1955) in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with Le Sarthe. The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 litres; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its rounded windscreen and 15 - down from 16 - wheels. At the same time, a 1,600cc engine replaced the old 1.5-litre unit and would be standardised on the successor 356B model. This Porsche 356 Coup� was delivered new to Sacramento, California, USA and from 1974 to 2008 belonged to the same owner (see accompanying title deed). The latter commissioned a complete restoration of the car costing in excess of $50,000, which was carried out between 2004 and 2006 by the local Porsche/Mercedes-Benz dealership in Burlingame, California (all invoices available). This original, rust free car has been repainted and given a complete new leather interior and all new brightwork, while virtually every mechanical component in the engine and transmission has been renewed. New rubber seals have been fitted throughout and all gaps and fittings are reported as perfect. A rare and highly desirable matching-numbers example (as confirmed by the accompanying 'kardex') this superb Porsche 356 is offered for sale with all EU duties paid.