Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 84 Ω
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 53460 Engine no. 34787
Sold for US$240,800 inc. premium
Lot 84Ω
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 53460
Engine no. 34787
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 53460
Engine no. 34787
1,488cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carburetors
55bhp at 4,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Fantastic example of a matching numbers, bent-window 356
*Largely original with wonderful patina throughout
*Finished in its factory delivered livery of Azure Blue over Light Gray
*Documented with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and copy of the factory Kardex
*One of only 860 Continental coupes built
THE PORSCHE 356
Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his independent automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. The work of Ferry Porsche, the Type 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, Ferdinand, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension.
Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminum-bodied cars built at Gmünd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 Coupe at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then (from 1955) in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951, a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with Le Sarthe.
The man responsible for introducing the spartan and sporty Speedster to the USA, New York-based importer Max Hoffman, had begun his series of entry level Porsches with the 1500 America, a 'de-trimmed' 356 powered by the Normal (as opposed to Super) engine. For 1955, the 1500 America was superseded by the better equipped, though still 'Normal' powered, Continental. According to Road & Track: "The Normal produced more torque than the Super below 3,000rpm, and in any given gear, from any given speed, could out-accelerate the more powerful car. In deference to its graciousness, German customers called the 1500 Normal "die Dame - the Lady." The 'Continental' name, however, was dropped after little more than a year after objections from Ford. Today, the refined Continentals are among the rarest and most sought after of early 356s.
THE CAR OFFERED
This elegant early Porsche 356 – chassis 53460 – was delivered from the factory to on April 28, 1955, one of the earlier Continentals built and one of only 860 coupes ever constructed. In 1955, the purchase price of a new Porsche Continental Coupe was $3,445; by comparison a fully optioned 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Four Door Sedan cost $3,977 – making the Continental a pricey and elitist item.
Clothed by Reutter and presenting in stunning Azure Blue paint with a Light Gray interior, this rare bent-windshield Pre-A model is ultimately desirable and highly collectible. Although little is known about the original purchaser of this Porsche in the United States, at one point in the mid-1960s, a German collector purchased the car in the US and transported it back to Germany on a freighter, to which he also was onboard during the voyage back home. Once back home in Germany, the car would stay in his possession until his death in 2009. Shortly thereafter, the 356 was acquired by its current caretaker, who kept the car in wonderfully maintained condition, completing service every year under his supervision.
This 356 presents very well, showing many original details. The brightwork, although still intact and well cared for, shows its age like a fine wine. The steering wheel, still in great condition, has its years and years of joyous driving evident on the finish. The paintwork on the body still looks tidy for its age. The majority of the car and these details are believed to be original. The tub of the car is in fine condition and also believed to be original and unrepaired. The car has been serviced throughout its current ownership by a Porsche marque expert in Germany. The car has been driven regularly and nicely sorted. It has been given a clean bill of health and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.
The Continental will come accompanied with a copy of the Kardex and a German Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity, spare tire and the jack. This classic Porsche is a fabulous standard bearer for the 356 1500 Continental, a wonderful entry to many rallies including eligibility to run at the Mille Miglia. Beautifully presented in largely original condition, with absolute lovely character from the amazing patina that it bears, it offers an exclusive opportunity to acquire a matching number engine example of an early bent-window 356.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 16 August 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 17 August 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 18 August 2023, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT
Lot symbols
| Ω | Import Duty |
| Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. |
