The Model

The 356 was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche, (son of the Ferdinand founder of the German company), who founded the Austrian company. Like the Volkswagen Beetle designed by Ferdinand Porsche Sr., the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive car with unitized pan and body construction. The chassis was a completely new design as was the 356's body which was designed by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, while certain mechanical components including the engine case and some suspension components were based on and initially sourced from Volkswagen. The 356 was a luxury sports car and Porsche's first production automobile. Engineering innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austriaand moved, in 1950 to Zuffenhausen in Germany, where the first 356 -also called, retrospectively, "Pre-A"- were built. In 1956, the 356 was replaced by the 356 A, launched on the market with five engines: 1300 with 44 hp; 1300 Super with 60 CV; 1600 with 60 CV; 1600 Super with 75 CV; 1500 GS Carrera with 100 hp. The modifications to the car were part of the so-called "Technical Program 1" (T1). Aesthetically the 356 A differed from the first 356 mostly for a curved panoramic windshield, in one piece and also for a front bonnet handle modified with a recessed Porsche Crest. Since 1957, the integrated rear lights had a teardrop shape. In 1958 (T2) the 1300 models were put out of production. The tailpipes of the 1600 models ended between the bumper rails for greater ground clearance. The chrome housing with plate lighting and reverse light was mounted under the license plate itself. All versions were also available in an open body (Cabriolet and Speedster later replaced by the Convertible D). During 1959 the 356 A was replaced by the 356 B. The general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the new 911 model had made its debut in the fall of 1963. About 76,313 units were produced. Of these, the cabriolets produced in 1959 were 944.

The Car

The Porsche 356 A Cabriolet, chassis no. 151713 has a Reutter body and a type 616/1 engine. Built in 1959, it has all the characteristics of the 356 A of the T2 type, built since 1958 until mid 1959. The engine, in the unified displacement, from that same year, of 1600 cc, develops 60 hp in this version. The car is in an incredible condition preserved in all its parts, with recent Italian plates and ASI, Fiva and Porsche certified; there are accessories and details that testify to its "daily" use. The beautiful combination of the original body/interior colors adds charm: Silbermetallic (metallic silver 5706)/Rot (red leather). Do not overlook the opportunity to find a 356 A Cabriolet in these excellent conditions at a time when the purchase of a Porsche is a safe investment. Finally, as Ferry Porsche would have said: beautiful and fun to drive. In competition and every day.