THE PORSCHE 356
'The aim of Ferry Porsche and his father, Ferdinand, in building the original Type 356 was to supply a connoisseur's automobile, something in the Bugatti tradition of perfection. They innocently thought that a total of fifty to one hundred cars would saturate the world market for such cars!' – Sports Cars Illustrated.
The work of Ferry Porsche, the first Porsche road car - the 356 - was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, employing a similar platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and torsion bar all-independent suspension. 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 La 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 synchro mesh 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 standardized on the successor 356B model. In production until 1965, the 356 is where the Porsche legend began and good examples have long been prized by collectors.
THIS '57 PORSCHE 356A
Our 356 is a rare A version in its T1 coupe variation, powered by a 1,600cc engine and built with a bodywork by Reutter. Produced in 1957, finished in Sahara Beige (5704) with brown leather interior. This matching numbers Porsche 356A has covered just a few kilometers since its body restoration and is in generally good condition. Brakes were refurbished, a new fuel tank was installed, new headliner, new trims, and more...
It has the original Type 616/1 1600 engine delivering 60bhp coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine starts easily and runs nicely through all the gears and revs.
This is an interesting car in a unique color combination; the white wall wheels certainly enhance it unique appearance and turn this car into a real head-turner. It's a lovely car that could be immediately enjoyed as is! Today it has become more difficult to find a 356 A T1 in today's market.
The car currently has a Belgian registration and comes with its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
Carpass: https://public.car-pass.be/vhr...