Bring A Trailer NO RESERVE auction preview: A beautifully restored car to use, alloys.1959 Porsche 356A Sunroof CoupeChassis Number – 106521Engine Number – 751322 (installed)Original Engine – 73038 (Per CoA) 
Exterior Color – Aquamarine Blue Interior Color – Red vinylEngine Type – 912 series air-cooled 4-cylinderGearbox – 106 741/2 4-Speed manual transaxleCurrent Mileage –14,670 miles (TMU) 

Marque and Model HistoryWith more than 70 years of racing and performance engineering, the Porsche legacy began with the lightweight and agile 356. Offering timeless beauty, elegant engineering, and versatile performance, the 356 continues to be sought after by enthusiasts seeking a respite from digital complexities, nanny ride management, and lane guidance of modern cars.

The “A” version of the 356 came to market during Porsche’s rapid growth cultivating North American markets. Ongoing development of the 356 included the 1600 series engine, named for the 1,582cc engine, which was well suited for the demands of American roads. With air cooled power, manual gearbox, manual steering, and seat of the pants connection to the road, the 356 combines traditional craftsmanship, performance, and build engineering into one of the most rewarding vintage driving experiences.
History of this Car


According to a copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity accompanying this car, this factory sunroof Porsche was completed February 18, 1959, and finished with Silver Metallic exterior paint and the interior trimmed in Green Leatherette w/Corduroy inserts. Optional equipment included the ”Golde” Sunroof, Ventilated Chrome Wheels, and Michelin Tires. Specified as a 1600 Reutter Coupe, the original engine and transmission numbers are noted on the certificate. The current owner purchased this car in 2015 and subsequently commissioned vintage Porsche specialist Dink Farmer to restore the car with mild upgrades to enhance the driving experience. During the restoration, the car was disassembled, the floors and battery box were expertly replaced, and careful attention applied to the entire floor pan for welding and refinishing. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in Porsche 356 Aquamarine blue and trimmed with red vinyl interior. The interior was reupholstered with a set of metal replica Speedster seats and previsions for a radio installed (speakers and antenna) and a Porsche branded radio blanking plate installed in the dashboard. While the paint and interior were in progress, mechanical work was also performed by Dink Farmer who also did the brakes and shocks and sourced the 912 engine currently in the car. The engine had been formerly built for a racing Speedster but was detuned and rebuilt by Ron Matson, Santa Rosa, CA for installation in this 356. The engine number correlates to a 1967 US delivery 912 unit and is fitted with a pair of Solex carburetors, a traditional 356 type oil filter, and is updated with a later series fuel pump. The engine is mated to a 741/2 4-speed gearbox sourced from another Porsche and rebuilt by experts at Ron’s Transaxle in San Pablo, CA. Other details include a set of reproduction alloy wheels and a correct “A” steering wheel restored by Koch’s Steering Wheel Restoration, Acton, CA. The factory 6-volt electrical system is updated with an Optima battery.General OverviewToday this 356A presents beautifully with a handsome restoration reflective of the time and dedication afforded by the commissioning owner and participating restoration experts. The excellent Aquamarine finish shows uniform gloss and smooth coverage, nicely accented by the contrasting red interior. The doors, hood, and trunk open and shut smoothly, exhibiting excellent fit and consistent finishes on the door jambs and underside panels. The sunroof operates smoothly and adds a welcoming open air feel to the driving experience. The engine lid and hood hinge both retain the matching two-digit number stamp indicative of original body panels. The doors, very likely original, exhibit exceptionally nice fit. The bumpers and various trim around the car are all in fine condition including the rear deck single grille, teardrop taillights and gold tone Porsche 1600 script. The emblems and various plastic lenses are clear and beautifully detailed. The aftermarket exposed hub aluminum wheels offer a sporty vintage look shod with Vredestein Sprint Classic 165 HR 15 tires. The interior features excellent finishes displaying continuity of materials and well finished details throughout. The red interior perfectly conveys the sporting intent of the car. The aftermarket Speedster metal frame seats are authentically contoured and trimmed, and the door panels are properly tailored with correct stitching and chrome trim touches. The painted and covered dashboard features restored instruments showing vivid color, clarity, and crisp numeric indication. A correctly restored ivory steering wheel is beautifully finished and features a Porsche colored crest center emblem. The square weave carpeting, headliner, and side panels are well matched in color and material. The front storage area is correctly presented showing the factory serial number and correct hood hinge number matching the last two digits of the VIN. A full-sized spare tire with matching wheel is held in place with a leather strap, backed by a ribbed rubber mat.Under the hood, the later series 912 engine and engine bay deliver a thoughtful and correct presentation using correctly sourced vintage Porsche parts and appropriate details. The later series Porsche engine offers extra power and has been restored using correct finishes, proper coatings, hardware, and fasteners to deliver an engine compartment consistent with Porsche cars of this period. The undercarriage is representative of a well-cared for, dry climate example with Porsche expert sheet metal replacement performed on the floor pans and battery box. The car starts reliably and settles into a smooth and familiar air-cooled idle. The upgraded 741 gearbox operates wonderfully through all gears with smooth synchros, warm or cold. The clutch takes up nicely, throttle response is great, and the brakes bring the car down evenly from highway speeds. Overall, this 356 Sunroof Coupe delivers a very pleasant driving experience enhanced by desirable colors, sunroof option, and just a bit more power than originally offered in the 1600 series 356.