Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe
s/n 101734, Engine no. P*67071*
Black with Red Leatherette

In 1948, timeless beauty, elegant engineering, and versatile performance all came together to create one of the most iconic sportscars ever produced; the race-bred, lightweight, and agile 356 Porsche. Still sought after by enthusiasts and collectors nearly eight decades after introduction, the 356 continues to impress new generations for the same reasons that captivated so many Porsche customers when the car was first released. The “A” version of the 356 came to market during Porsche’s rapid growth both as a production car company and a formidable motorsports competitor. The ongoing development of the 356 included the 1600 series engine, aptly named for the 1,582cc engine, which was perfectly matched for the rapidly growing US market, offering just the right amount of power and performance for American roads. The 356A remains one of the most desirable vintage Porsches in part because of its aesthetic adherence to the original concept, but also because of the quality craftsmanship, performance, and premier engineering, features that continue to be hallmarks of Porsche cars today.

This particular matching numbers 356A Sunroof Coupe is a rarely optioned Porsche with former California ownership documentation dating back nearly 40 years. Documented with a 1995 Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 356A 1600 Coupe is further supported by a copy of the Kardex showing the original 5701 black exterior paint and red leatherette interior. Both the Kardex and Porsche COA confirm the car was optioned with a Sliding Steel Sunroof, Speedster Side Trim, One Piece Bench Seat, Chrome Wheels, and Sealed Beam Headlights. A copy of the Kardex also confirms the original engine number *67071* and transmission 16349, both of which still reside in the car today. Service records accompanying the car date back to 1981, including more than a decade under the ownership of a Berkeley, CA woman who kept detailed written documentation on the car she lovingly referred to as “Bubba the Coopster”, named so by combining the rare Speedster factory trim option on the Coupe body. The clever Coopster name is also featured on the California black and yellow license plate installed on the car.

Among the many service invoices accompanying the car, work includes engine and clutch services, brake work, and a 1982 invoice from Carrera Auto Werks identifying the Weber carburetor installation which remains on the car today. At two different periods of time, the car was owned twice by the current owner, a highly respected Northern California vintage Porsche restoration specialist, who enjoyed and serviced the car for much of the 40 years while it remained in the Berkeley area. In September 2019 the car was serviced by the current owner installing a new battery, new front and rear brake wheel cylinders, a new master cylinder, and new flex hoses. The rear drums were turned, the gear oil and engine oil changed, and a new set of Vredestein Sprint Classic 165HR15 tires were installed. In preparation for consignment, the car was serviced by Deutsche Motorsports, Concord, CA. A $1485.00 nvoice from October 2019 includes changing the rear wheel bearings, new rear wheel seals, replacing the rear spring plate bushing, adjusting the clutch, changing the release bearing, and adjusting the ride height.

Today this 356A presents as a very sound and drivable example reflective of the enjoyable use and overall care it has received over the past forty years. The older paint shows generally good gloss, but the overall finish is reflective of use including some road chips in the front of the car, light scratches, and mild imperfections. The driver’s door has some paint bubbling along the bottom edge and directly behind the trailing door corner. A small ding in the engine lid is also evident, but not breaking the paint. The doors, hood, and trunk open and shut smoothly, exhibiting very good fit and solid finish. Both the deck lid and hood retain the matching number stamps. The doors, very likely original, exhibit very nice fit and firm closure. The sunroof is easily unlatched via the inside roof handle, and the steel sunroof slides back smoothly into place, latching into the closed, locking position. The bumpers and various trim around the car are all in good condition including the optional Speedster trim, distinctive rear deck single grille, and gold Porsche 1600 script. The emblems, glass, and various plastic lenses are clear and in good condition, though the windshield does show some chips. The Brazilian manufactured wheels are wider profile but suit the car, giving it a bit more of a muscular stance. Overall the exterior delivers a wonderful, purposeful, sporty look, enhanced by the clean Speedster option trim.

The interior has handsomely settled in from restoration work performed some years ago. The front bench seat is comfortable and slightly relaxed from use. The hinged rear seats remain in excellent condition, while the door panels are very nicely presented. The carpet shows fading and minor fabric flaws in the driver’s door sill area, but in other areas still shows quite well. The various chrome trim and details are all in place, with minor signs of age. A nice personal touch is the red leather steering wheel wrapping, which was hand stitched by the former woman owner who found the hard plastic steering wheel too hot to touch when the car was parked outside in the summer. The painted and covered dashboard features clear and correct instruments, all in place, showing very nice color and graphic clarity on the dials, smooth knobs, and a lightly hued gear shift. The steering wheel hub retains the painted cast metal horn ring finished off with the Porsche crest. The headliner and side panels are in good condition as well, in keeping with the remainder of the interior. Overall the interior has very good visual continuity, good color, and material quality reflective of an enthusiast’s restoration. The front storage area is properly presented showing a refinished gas tank, differently dated spare tire, correct factory serial number and riveted metal serial number plate.

Under the hood, the engine bay delivers a thoughtful and correct presentation using correctly sourced vintage Porsche parts, correct oil filter canister, and appropriate decals. The engine has a generally correct presentation with appropriate finishes, proper coatings, hardware, and fasteners, with some areas having been powder coated to ensure longevity. The Weber carburetors are mounted in place boasting more years of service on the car than the former Zenith originals. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, in keeping with the remaining presentation of the car.

The undercarriage is representative of a well-cared for car but does show welded floor patch panels in several areas including the longitudinals, battery box, and rocker panels, which is typical of cars with unrestored floor pans. Detailed inspection of the components, floor, and structure reveal an honest car that has been maintained and enjoyed just as intended.

Climbing inside this 356, the bench seat is surprisingly comfortable and offers good support, particularly for occupants who enjoy a bit more seating space while driving. The car starts reliably and settles into a smooth and resonant air-cooled idle, aided by the Weber carburetors. The gearbox operates smoothly up and down with generally good synchros, warm or cold, and appropriate travel to the clutch pedal. Acceleration is progressive with very good feedback in cornering. The big fun of course happens when downshifting and darting in and out of corners. Here the 356 distinguishes itself as the delightfully nimble champion of both roadway and racetrack. Braking is very good overall, as all hydraulics were recently rebuilt and road tested. The structural integrity and driving manners are very much in keeping with the feel and presentation one finds in cars that can be readily used and enjoyed without the fuss over trailered-in cosmetics. The car comes with a file of service invoices dating back to 1981, recent records showing general repair and maintenance, a set of original Zenith carburetors, intake manifolds, and original air cleaners. Also included is a tool roll and an assortment of various tools.

Offering known California history, matching numbers and rarely seen options, this Porsche 356A 1600 factory Sunroof Coupe with Speedster trim brings together a history of original long-term ownership coupled with enjoyable cosmetics. This 356A Coupe is perfectly suited for the enthusiast who enjoys spirited driving that can be readily enjoyed just as intended when delivered new, or as a numbers matching fully restored car prepared to show standards.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608