1957 PORSCHE 356 A SPEEDSTER 1600

KEY FACTS

• A genuine example of the sought-after classic sports car; presented in highly original unrestored condition, with a beautiful patina and equipped with its ‘numbers matching’ engine.
• Under the rear engine lid is the 1600cc air-cooled flat-four, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• The five-digit odometer currently displays 58,075 miles; however, this is not warranted.
• Delivered to US importer Max Hoffman of New York in February 1957, this 356 A Speedster 1600 later found its way to Luxembourg, before being acquired by a collector in France in 2011, who in turn sold the car to its current German owner in 2019.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Originally finished in white, this 356 was given a very thin respray in a sleek and timeless metallic silver hue many years ago. It retains the original black leatherette interior upholstery.
• It rides on a set of rare 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, which are usually found on the high-performance 356 Carrera GT.
• While the car retains its original 1600cc engine, the transmission has been replaced with a gearbox of the correct type.
• The bumpers have been changed for period-correct items without overriders, additional front fog lamps have been fitted, and the original round ‘beehive’ tail lights have been replaced with the teardrop-shaped units from a later ‘T2’ 356 – which was a very common period modification.
• An aftermarket exhaust manifold has been installed, along with a stainless-steel sports exhaust system.
• The car will be accompanied by its original ‘Kardex’ build document and a black hardtop roof.

CONDITION

• While the front nose panel has been replaced in the past, there is no known accident damage. In fact, the bonnet, engine lid, and both doors are marked with the original body number. The seller reports that there is almost no rust, with what appears to be just minor superficial blemishes, and the undercarriage is clean and tidy.
• Given the age of the respray, the silver paintwork is in good overall condition, with a very appealing ‘patina’ around the vehicle. There are some stone chips on the front end and various other small marks and blemishes, but this car wears its years with pride.
• Inside, the seat upholstery is original, and is in fair shape, though the stitching on the driver’s side bolster has split. Once again though, while many cars have been re-trimmed, few can say that the retain their original 1950s trim – making this a great choice for the collector who values preservation.
• Elsewhere, the steering wheel and other controls show some general signs of wear, in keeping with the car’s 64-year history, and sections of leatherette on the dashboard and the top of the driver’s door card have previously been replaced.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical issues with the vehicle.
• This 356 A’s last TÜV roadworthiness test was conducted in August 2019, resulting in a pass with no warnings or recommendations, and another test will be carried out if the car is sold in Germany.

SERVICE HISTORY

• In April 2021, this 356 A Speedster received an oil change service, while in October 2019 the starter was replaced.

SUMMARY

This Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster is a true automotive icon, which continues to cast its influence over the marque’s sports cars more than 60 years later. Presented in smart overall condition and with its numbers-matching engine, this Speedster boasts a remarkable, time-earned ‘patina’, which is bound to appeal to enthusiasts who seek high originality. It is increasingly hard to find cars that remain so well preserved, showing evidence of a life well-lived, which will help this wonderful classic to stand out in any collection.

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