Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Porsche 356A Cabriolet
s/n 151297 engine no. 71420
Black with Silver Hardtop and Red Leather Interior

Porsche introduced the ‘A’ version of the 356 just as the company was coming into its own as a sports car manufacturer. They had just completed their 10,000th car, and with racing efforts gaining momentum, it was clear that Porsche was a force to be reckoned with. The model line was diversified to include a variety of body styles and engines, initially in 1500 and later in 1600 form. The 356A has an aesthetic purity that has made it among the most sought after early Porsches, while the traditional Porsche values of craftsmanship, engineering, and focus on driving are beautifully articulated in these cars. In recent years, the A has appreciated considerably as enthusiasts become aware of its delightful blend of Porsche’s iconic early styling and considerable mechanical updates learned from their dramatic racing successes of the 1950’s.

This particular car was supplied new to Max Hoffman, the Porsche distributor in New York. The car comes with a copy of its original Kardex (rather than a recently-acquired certificate of authenticity), indicating that the car was originally black in color, was supplied on 4 November 1958, and is a matching-numbers example. By 1972, the car was in Chico, California, when the car was purchased by a fellow who then drove the car for several years before taking it off the road to rebuild the motor. He stored both the car and the motor in his brother’s barn in Moss Landing, California. The car’s owner decided at this point to accept a “one year” appointment for a job in Japan. The “one year” stay had extended considerably longer when he finally decided in 2011 to sell the car. The car’s current owners purchased it out of the barn in Moss Landing, and embarked on a comprehensive restoration to the highest possible standards. The pair have extensive experience restoring Porsche 356s, and indeed, the car’s first place finish and perfect score at two recent Porsche Club of America concours events speaks to the quality of the restoration.

The owners, Robert Murray and Jim Hardie, may be familiar to those in the 356 community, and employed the capable help of several other well-known 356 enthusiasts to bring the car to its current condition. This included
Paint by Greg Jensen on body, silver paint on top by Charles Vaughn
Interior by Roy Nielsen
Engine rebuild supervision by Ted Blake
Plating by AAA Plating
Gauge rebuilding by Palo Alto Speedometer
Transmission supervision rebuild by Bob Garretson
Brad and Keith at NLA
And many others

The car was restored in its original black color using all original numbered panels, original motor, original gearbox. The car has covered just 24 miles since its restoration and is stunning. Upgrades include installation of a dual brake master cylinder for enhanced safety, and the installation of a big bore kit (1720 cc) during the engine rebuild.

The car’s cosmetic condition is virtually impossible to fault. The paintwork is stunning, a particularly remarkable feat considering that it is black. The body is extremely straight, with superb fit and gaps. The doors shut easily. The chrome and trim are in excellent , show-ready condition throughout, as are the glass and lights. The wheels are beautifully refinished and even have valve stem safety wires fitted. The hardtop is a factory item that has been beautifully restored, right down to the light grey weather stripping and correct new perforated headliner.

The interior is equally stunning, having been restored in red leather with tan square weave carpeting. Every aspect of the interior is in show-ready condition and appears as new. It is extremely correct throughout, from the ivory-colored knobs to the rubber floor mats (tan to match the carpets). The inside of the glovebox lid contains straps to retain door lock antifreeze/lubricant, period fuses in Porsche supplied-box, and insurance card holder. The dashboard, steering wheel, switches, and gauges are all excellent, as is the steering wheel.

The engine compartment and trunk are both spotlessly restored in an extremely correct manner. The engine compartment is show ready, with correct touches such as brown distributor cap, correct Knecht air cleaners, and orange-painted Fram oil filter housing. The correct decals are present throughout. The front compartment makes a similarly strong impression, with a correct and fresh appearance. It is not over-restored, for example, some cars have a gloss fuel tank and polished fuel cap. This car has the correct semi-gloss finish to both the tank and the cap. The correct rubber mat and leather spare tire retaining strap are also in place.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an award-winning 356A that has been in California for over 40 years. It was restored to the highest standards and is ready for additional show outings, where it is likely to be quite competitive. Consequently, this car is ideal for the perfection-minded enthusiast seeking the very best. In a sea of Speedsters, this car is will stand out because of its comparatively unusual body style and rare hard top. Additionally, its timeless color combination and superb attention to detail will appeal to the sophisticated Porsche enthusiast. The car comes with manual and jack.

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