Some cars are have a desirable name. Some have beautiful lines. Some have racing pedigree. And some have a personal history that makes them, individually, more compelling than other, similar machines. This 1956 Porsche 356 A Cabriolet checks all the above boxes. Originally sold in Denmark and left dormant, but carefully preserved, since the early Seventies, this example of the iconic sports car will be auctioned with no reserve by Sotheby’s at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on May 14. More information can be found here on RM Sotheby’s site.
Long before the 911 became the embodiment of Porsche, the 356 made the name synonymous with excellence. With production of the car spanned just under 18 years, from 1948 to early 1966, the 356 more than proved the simple principle on which the design rested: that a small overpowered car was more fun to drive than a large overpowered car. 1956 was a transitional model year for the 356, marking the birth of the 356 A. This transition was marked by subtle differences in the Reutter-built bodies– including a more rounded windscreen– as well as smaller, wider tires and a more powerful 1.6L flat-four engine.
This car, having just one owner since 1959, is a bit of a time capsule. Put away over fifty years ago, the owner apparently regularly sprayed the car with oil to save the metal. As strange as this may seem, one can hardly argue with the results: although grime-covered, it appears to be in an astonishing state of preservation for a car left sitting for decades. The lack of rust is especially notable, considering how close it must have been to the sea. Yet the car isn’t quite all-original; the transaxle was replaced under warranty in 1958, and a quick look at the engine confirms that it is a Volkswagen, rather than a Porsche, powerplant.
Things aren’t as bad as they might seem, though. The original engine was saved and is included in the sale. Considering the effect that a numbers-matching engine will have on the value of the car, that Beetle engine’s days are well and truly numbered. A curious inconsistency appears in the form of the Carrera badging, though. Porsche did build the 356 A with the 1.5L Type 692 Carrera engine, yet the listing clearly states that the original engine is a 60hp 1.6L. A case of creative badge application? Regardless, the provenance and originality of this vehicle increases its appeal when compared to similar examples that might superficially appear more presentable. Even if you might not be able to get away to Monte Carlo this time of year, it’ll be interesting to see where the gavel falls.
The Porsche people will go crazy over this one…
I NOW firmly believe that every single Porsche 356 in “found” condition spent the last 55-60+ years in a run-down old dairy barn somewhere. Why do I believe that, you ask? Because the last 8-10 that have shown up in articles was said to have languished for decades in one!
Not my ’57. Drove it to work every and across country when needed. Lots of fun. Courted my wife in it.
Me too, Bob Hess. I drove a 60 Cab until it fell apart, then a ’59 Convertible D year round in all weather and had a blast with it (great in snow). Finally stumbled upon a ’65 911 coupe and that was nearly the end of 356s for me. But many years later I was lucky enough to own a rehabbed ’57 Speedster for a while. Currently running a 993 C4 coupe and loving that too, but the 356s that introduced me to Porsches will always have a soft spot in my heart.
Well Deak where do you think this was really found ? Maybe in an abandoned Porsche Audi dealer up in Maine ? How about in a three sided lean-to somewhere in the Arizona desert 19 miles down a dirt trail leading to a long forgotten mine ? I think all Deaks should unite to keep the found locations correctly reported. Can a building that looks like a classic barn that never housed animals or feed really be a barn ?
Great Investment!
Picking up a black Speedster this afternoon. Film at 11
This is the kind of stuff I spend my long, long, long days and nights dreaming about these days. Thank goodness for good behavior and tablet privileges’.
Looks like they got this one from the bottom of the river….no allure to own that one. Way too rough to drive
Dont know if anyone else saw the Texaco Valvoline sticker under the drivers side dash. if the car has always been in Denmark then I am a little confused how a Texaco valvoline service sticker got under the dash of this car. More confusing is why they did not yank it out before they took the photos. The pitting of the chrome near the seats and other marks on the paint all over the car tells me this car was stored in more than ideal conditions but that will not stop someone from paying a boat load of money just for the name and the year of manufacture of this car. I would not bid on this car unless i send someone to inspect it since the floor pans must be questionable as well not to mention the missing air cleaner and open carb for 60 years which means a complete engine rebuild…
In Hawaii, in 1960 I bought a real. 356A, 1956 1500GS Carrera, for $1100. It had a VW Engine, too. Found the 4 cam original engine for $250, in boxes. Eventually got it all back together and sold for $3500. Thought I made out well! What fools these mortals be.
” but carefully preserved, since the early Seventies…” I believe our understanding of these words differs significantly –
Carefully preserved? I would hate to see an example that wasn’t carefully preserved. This Porsche needs a total restoration, it’s beyond simply cleaning up and enjoying the car. Way too much structural body rust. Failure to stop all aspects of corrosion will result in a vehicle that continues to deteriorate. Either restore this Porsche or place it in a sealed and nitrogen filled glass box, and perhaps charge admission to see it.
Looks like the patina was added by a railway model maker! Love to own this one!