This 1956 Porsche 356 A is hardly a Barn Find, more like a Palace Find maybe but it is still fitting as BF strives to find a little bit of everything that would be of interest to any car guy or gal. And geography knows no bounds as this Porsche is located in Casalmaiocco, Italy. This Porsche is no ordinary 356 so let’s see what we really have. This fine specimen is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $86,800, reserve not yet met.
The specialty here is that this 356 A is a Type 1 (T-1) GT-equipped variant that the seller claims is ready for the 1000 Miglia. I’m not sure about using a car of this nature for a Miglia anything but I gather it is homologated for such an event and registration ends on April 30th for the 2021 gathering.
The seller tells us that this Porsche has been completely restored and is still in possession of its matching numbers 1600 CC, flat four-cylinder engine, connected to a four-speed manual transaxle. Being a GT version, HP should be 87 gross as opposed to the non-GT’s 59 HP. The listing is a bit vague on the engine’s specifics so this would be an important item to verify as it drives the value of the car considerably. The seller does not elaborate on this 356’s road manners but it’s hard to imagine that this Porsche performs any less than excellently.
Regarding the car’s overall presentation, the seller states, “We will take care of every single moment of the restoration with our high level cares, at the end it will be the queen of the ballet at every single exhibition“. The claim sounds a bit awkward but that may be due to the Italian-English translation but I believe the sentiment is that this Porsche has been expertly restored. And it certainly looks it, every detail right down to the tea-strainer headlight guards and chromed knock-off wheels has been faithfully preserved. Research indicates that the 356 A is the most popular Porsche model for replica creation.
The interior is a bit of a surprise in that it appears to be reupholstered, flawlessly, in tan suede. I would be curious to know from our Porsche aficionados if this is correct for this year and model. I wouldn’t think that tan or buckskin would work with silver but it is an excellent complement. The instrument panel appears to have its full array of proper gauges.
I don’t think this is a car that I would use for anything remotely related to competition, it’s just too nice. It’s a show car, that can be driven minimally to maintain its stellar condition. I’d like something a bit rough around the edges that can be used with abandon but this is not the car for that type of activity. What do you think, what will it take for this Porsche to go to find a new owner?
I had a 1956 356 A Normal and the front seats
in this car are much different. The rear seats
look the same. I never had anyone ride in the
rear because there was not much room.
When I just now opened the picture of that Tan suede interior, I was very surprised and astonished. I don’t like it. Why didn’t they obtain original-like material, or at least check with the factory as what would be best to use. I have been a member of Porsche Club of America for over forty years and a concours judge for over thirty years.
I believe mine interior, at least seats were a reddish color.
Uhh, there is a 900lb gorilla in the room that no one is talking about. A GT is a Carrera model, and they were all 4 cam, 1500cc, type 547 engines in a 1956 model. (Not the type 616 engine shown.) Pretty sure Porsche never made 1500 GS/ GT models in 1956. Maybe only 1958 and 59. A true GT would have a 125hp motor, light alloy hood, engine lid, doors, plastic side glass.Larger brakes and no heating equipment.
Not sure about the speedster seats.Possibly available, but likely not covered in suede.
The Rudge knock off wheels are pretty nice.
The “knock-off wheels” have the usual four lugs holding them to the hub. They are, at best, a “knock-of” of the real Rudge Knock-offs.
Still, if it passes the magnet test, this is a very nicely restored car. But it is, methinks, not a “1600” GT. The seats are clearly wrong, for any model Porsche but, regardless, they look one heckuva lot better than the correct ones. I like it, gorillas notwithstanding.
As a not totally disconnected aside, I’ve often wondered how hard it might be for a true “restoration” artist to avoid correcting the things that the factory got wrong in the first place. If memory serves me right, I believe that some of the multi-million dollar Ferraris (GTB??) had front fenders whose contours did not match when viewed carefully from the front.. Would a restorer rebuild them assymmetrically, or would there be a temptation to make it perfect match and thereby destroy its authenticity? Ees a puzzlement.
John – Those are Speedster seats and could be special ordered in early cars. That fact doesn’t tame those other gorillas, though.
Quite a few silver 356s came with a tan interior as well as in most of the paint colors but no suede. If the numbers match then it’s a clone. The sports seats were available but I don’t think they were the speedster seats. Bigger side bolsters and less material on the stock seat frames. Still, it’s a nice car but I’d sure research the build history before putting the money down.
Very attractive car, would not spend the money without Porsche COA, suspect it may not be what is claimed.
This is a “fantasy” GT. No such original animal. Rudge wheels are repops. He is just looking for a sucker.
I saw a film in high school 55-58 years about how the bodies were built and was blown away with the quality. After I graduated I went to the Porsch dealer to drive one and loved it. Couldn’t afford the car at that time but always love to see one of this vintage.
You can have a light weight GT spec car with a non Carrera Motor
GS GT would be light weight and four cam spyder 547 Fuhrmann motor as the power plant
Would need to see the COA to accurately discuss the size of the gorilla in the room.
Took closer look at Ebay ad. the seller is VERY CAREFULLY threading the needle:
1. “with GT SETUP” (caps mine) Pretty sure the 1500 GS/GT was a distinct model, not a setup. One could certainly order the parts thru the system and indeed about 1970, I met a guy who formerly worked at Northbrook,IL dealer that had bought and installed GT doors and plexi side glas on his T5 coupe. Seems like Gary had a few GT parts hanging on his walls back in the day at Porsche Parts Obsolete. You all know Gary. He has a famous son.
2, “his matching motor rebuilt and powered up”. That looks correct to me. A 1600 N Solex motor. 60hp DIN. NOT the 125DIN of a GT. Motor number will be somewhere around 60272- 62500.
3. “optional Knock off wheels” Yeah, sort of. Accurately KNOCK OFF knock offs. Very cute wheels. Definitely a move backward performance wise as they are heavier than the stock Sudrad or KP units.
All in all, it might be an okay car. There are some VERY skilled resto shops in continental Europe.
It is actually MM eligible? Will they allow a “Damen” a ticket? Beyond my pay grade to say. At least a 1600 N coupe could drive a mille. Without lifting the lid.(Tho I would check the oil and the fan belt and intake screen for the missing towel.)
A set of genuine knock off’s in good shape are worth $50k-$75k these days. Just saying..
Unless one of us bought it, we will never know the details. It’s no longer available. It photographed well.
You guys amaze me with your vintage Porsche knowledge. This knowledge isn’t learned in the classroom. It is however learned reading comments on BarnFinds. Hat tip to all you guys who have been there and done that!