Extensively restored over three years
Fitted with a 2-litre engine by Bienert
Performance beyond Carrera level
Stunningly beautiful colour combination
A glorious driving machine
When Ferry Porsche built the first sports car bearing his own name in Gmünd, Austria, in 1948, the circumstances could hardly have been more modest. Much came from Volkswagen, while some components were used simply because nothing else was available. Yet the 356 already embodied an idea to which Porsche has remained remarkably faithful ever since: low weight, sensible power and as little motor car as possible surrounding the driver.
The first 356s were still built in Gmünd with aluminium bodies, before Porsche returned to Stuttgart in 1950 and Reutter began producing the new steel coachwork. Air-cooled four-cylinder engines with obvious Volkswagen origins continued to sit beneath the engine lid, but Porsche developed them with remarkable determination. The original 1.1 litres became 1.3 and 1.5, power increased, and the suspension and brakes were improved. The 356 was gradually emancipating itself from its Volkswagen origins.
Nor did much remain unchanged for long on the outside. In 1952, the split windscreen gave way to a single-piece screen that still retained a pronounced bend, while bumpers, lights and countless details evolved continuously. Coupé and Cabriolet versions were joined by the Spartan Speedster for the American market. Porsche did not develop the 356 in great leaps. It simply never stopped improving it.
For the 1956 model year, this evolution finally acquired a new name: 356 A. The first version, now generally known as the T1, still looked remarkably similar to its predecessor at first glance. The windscreen was now curved, the body refined in numerous details and the suspension revised. A range of 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines also offered a broad spread of performance. At the top, the sophisticated Carrera with its Fuhrmann four-cam engine ensured that, when required, the little Porsche could become a very serious piece of sporting machinery indeed.
But the 356 A did not remain unchanged for long either. From autumn 1957 came the mildly revised T2. Once again, there was no revolution, merely the multitude of small changes from which Porsche liked to make a better car. Externally, the T2 could be identified, among other details, by its exhaust pipes now exiting beneath the rear bumper, while numerous improvements were incorporated inside and beneath the bodywork. The engine range continued to evolve at the same time.
By 1959, the 356 A had come a very long way from the improvised sports car with which it had all begun. It was faster, more comfortable and more mature, yet had lost none of its original lightness.
According to its birth certificate, this Porsche was delivered to Mr Zinner in Los Angeles on 10 November 1958 as a 356 A 1600 S Reutter Coupé, at the time the most powerful version below the Carrera. Today it ranks among the most sought-after classic Porsches. With that gorgeous T2 shape, it is a car one never tires of looking at, while the “S” engine provides a constant source of enjoyment. According to the accompanying Kardex, it was delivered in Silver Metallic; the original interior specification is unknown.
On 16 November 2016, the consignor acquired the Porsche 356 A 1600 S in America. Photographs from the time show a solid and, above all, remarkably original and completely unmolested Coupé. It was still painted silver, albeit by then rather faded. Apart from the bumpers, the car was complete and may well have remained in use until shortly before. According to the Title, the previous owner had already registered the Coupé in Texas in 2004, but by 2016 the engine had been removed. Why, we do not know.
For the consignor, one thing quickly became clear: this was the ideal basis for HIS project. What he had in mind was a 356 A that looked discreet but had power to spare. His dream colour was Aquamarine Blue, combined with red leather – very simple, yet utterly captivating. In his mind, the Porsche was already finished.
The 356 arrived in 2017 and immediately caused considerable excitement. Its condition was excellent, even better than expected. After a thorough assessment, the car was dismantled and the body sent away to be stripped and given a cathodic dip coating. If it was going to be done, it was going to be done properly. Numerous body panels were renewed, while the interior was lavishly retrimmed in leather and fitted with new carpeting. The mechanical components received an equally thorough overhaul.
The engine came from Bienert-Boxer-Motoren. According to the invoice, it is an SC engine carrying number 810921. It was completely rebuilt and enlarged to two litres. It now produces around 120 hp, even though only 95 hp are recorded in the registration documents. In July 2021, the Porsche passed its technical inspection and at last it could be registered and driven. Since then, a little over 4,000 thoroughly enjoyable kilometres have been added.
These days, however, a young family occupies rather more space in the consignor’s thoughts. The 356 A is therefore to be sold. A great deal of time, money and nerves went into getting the Porsche exactly where it is today. The result is a gorgeous classic with real punch, built to entertain its driver and surprise everyone else.
Its next owner receives a thoroughly sorted classic whose restoration was completed only five years ago. It is ready to get into and enjoy immediately, whether the mood calls for a gentle promenade or something rather more spirited. It does both, and both are enormous fun.
The next owner gets to reap the rewards.