Lot 242: 1958 Porsche 356A Coupe

Although Ferdinand Porsche did not commence building cars until 1948, his engineering pedigree was well established with designs ranging from the awesome Auto Union V16 Grand Prix car to the Tiger tank. After World War Two Porsche decided in 1947 to build his own sportscar. Based on a Volkswagen Beetle rolling chassis, and given project number 356, it was a lightweight open two seater with modified 1,131cc flat four air-cooled engine and tubular chassis. Power now came from a 40bhp, 1,086cc engine mated to a four speed gearbox, with independent torsion bar/trailing arm suspension and drum brakes all round. Allied to 87mph and 0-60mph in 17 seconds was excellent fuel economy due to good aerodynamics and low weight. In 1951 - the year of the first or Porsche's many Le Mans entries, finishing 20th overall - 1,290cc and 1,488cc engines were introduced and the following year an all-synchromesh gearbox and one-piece windscreen. 1955 saw the introduction of the 356A with 1,290cc or 1,582cc engines. When production ended in 1965 the 356 had truly established Porsche on the sports-car map, both on and off the track where it enjoyed numerous successes.Offered today is a fine coupe manufactured in 1958 and delivered new to California. The car remained in California until 3 years ago when it was imported to the UK. This particular 356 has benefited from a respray in the original silver and has had the more powerful and responsive 1600B engine fitted. Other subtle upgrades include BRM wheels and Speedster Headlight grilles. The interior was retrimmed a number of years ago with the red leather in good order. Having spent the majority of its life in the Californian sun the car is described by the vendor to be in very good to excellent condition. Supplied with the car is a V5 document, MoT certificate valid until September 2007 and some bills.