1956 Porsche 356

1956 Porsche 356 A Super Coupe
s/n 56380, Engine no. P*80321* (included), *754808* (fitted)
Black with Tan Leather

Porsche introduced the A version of the 356 just as they were coming into their own as an independent 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. At this time, the street car model line was diversified to include a variety of body styles and engines, with the most potent non-racing engine being the Super, initially in 1500 form, 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.

This particular example is a rare original black exterior with tan interior 356A 1600 Super, delivered new to the USA on May 15th, 1956. It was optioned with super engine number 80321, Conti tires, “Super 1600” script, and chrome wheels. It has been the subject of an exhausting cosmetic and mechanical restoration to its original deliver colors inside and out, is currently powered by a 912-based high performance engine, with the original numbers-matching engine accompanying the sale.

The vast majority of the restoration work was performed by Porsche 356 authority Ted Blake Restoration between 2003 and 2008. This included a body restoration with new pans, longitudals and battery box, paint preparation and application, and brightwork. Blake also wired and plumbed the car, and installed the rebuilt instruments, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and brake systems.

The currently installed engine is a 912 based unit build by Duane Spencer’s Shasta Designs, which has approximately 500 miles since being rebuilt. It uses the stock 1966 912 crankcase (line bored), rods and crankshaft (magnafluxed), with new rod and main bearings, 14 lb flywheel, full flow oil filter, re-ground cams (to 6810-17 specs), new Shasta pistons and cylinders, rebuilt cylinder heads, with new guides, and re-ground valves, new push rods and tubes, rebuilt Solex carburetors, rebuilt 912 fuel pump, and restored and powder coated sheet metal from the original 1600 Super engine which accompanies the car.

The transmission was rebuilt by Vic Skirmants of 356 Enterprises LLC with new bearings, tubes, synchros, differential carrier, throw out bearing, axle boots and clamps, and remanufactured axles. New shifter hardware was also installed.

The brake system was also rebuilt with a dual circuit conversion kit, new shoes, hoses and lines, wheel cylinders and liners supplied by Klasse 356 LLC. New Koni steering damper and swaybar bushing kit was installed with a remanufactured updated ZF steering box. New Koni shocks were installed on all four corners. A new wiring harness was supplied by YnZ’s Yesterdays Parts. The fuel system and tank were restored with a new sender. A new 6 volt starter was also sourced. New interior and exterior rubbers were sourced and installed, as were select new lenses and emblems and a new side mirror. A new hand brake cable was installed, and a new speedometer cable. The instruments were rebuilt by Palo Alto Speedometer, and at that time, the indicated mileage was 84,727 miles.

Today the car is best described as a beautiful, extremely sharp driver or casual show car. When recently showed at the Niello Concours the car was awarded second in its class. The restoration is now approximately 10 years old, and there are a few minor use and age marks about the car, but in general it remains excellent in most all regards. There are a couple of minor areas where the paint has been touched up, but the quality of the finish is outstanding over straight panels. Driving lights and bumper exit exhaust have been added, as has the luggage rack. The car sits on slightly wider than original chrome wheels.

The interior is extremely beautiful, done in high quality tan leather, still appearing very fresh. This car features a wood rimmed steering wheel, tinted sun visors, and a period correct Blaupunkt radio. Safety belts have been added.

The engine bay is fully detailed as would be expected of a professionally restored car with approximately 500 miles since completion. This is also true of the underside and front storage compartment.

Included with the car are records for the work described above, an owner’s manual, the original unrestored numbers matching Super engine (long-block with carburetors and flywheel), and select other items replaced during the restoration. This is an outstanding opportunity to purchase an original black 356A Super with its matching number engine, which has been comprehensively restored and rebuilt by some of the best names in the industry.