Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 139
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Cabriolet Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 60771 Engine no. P35786 (see text)
Sold for US$187,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 139
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Cabriolet
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Cabriolet
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 60771
Engine no. P35786 (see text)
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 60771
Engine no. P35786 (see text)
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
*One of only 228 Continental Cabriolets built
*Rare and desirable one year only model
*The sophisticated, touring-oriented 356 for the USA-only
*Quality coachwork by Reutter
*Beautifully restored inside and out
*Lovely black paintwork over green leather trim
*Period-correct 1500 engine
*Accompanied by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
THE PORSCHE 356 CONTINENTAL
Although Ferdinand Porsche 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 what became 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 manufacturing 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. Firstly, at their premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter, 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; therefore beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.
New York-based importer Max Hoffman (responsible for introducing the spartan and sporty Speedster to the US), began 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 For 1955, the 1500 America was superseded by the vastly better equipped, though still "Normal" powered, Continental.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.
However, following objections from Ford, the "Continental" name was discontinued after little more than a year. Today, the refined Continentals are among the rarest and most sought after of early 356s.
THE CAR OFFERED
Leaving Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory on March 8, 1955, this car, as with all Continentals, was destined for the US market. It was originally consigned to the Max Hoffman Company in New York City on September 8, 1955, and from there was transferred to a Porsche dealer in Washington State and sold to a Washington resident. Documentation tapered over the next three decades, but on December 4, 1986, the Porsche was acquired by Todd Curtis of Redmond, Washington. A young collector at the time, Mr. Curtis kept the Continental for six and a half years before selling it on June 13, 1993, to fellow Pacific Northwesterner Scott Johnston of Bend, Oregon. Johnston retained the car briefly, passing it the following year to Nicola Montevecchi of Rimini, Italy. A passionate motoring enthusiast, Montevecchi embarked on a decade long restoration as soon as the car arrived in Italy. After an involved and thorough refurbishment, the car was issued a Classic Vehicle certificate by Automotoclub Storico Italy in 2005. The 356 remained in Italy for the next four years, before returning to the United States in the summer of 2009. Upon its return, the new owners spent a further $20,000 on extensive detailing, paintwork, mechanical servicing and tuning, to elevate it to an even higher standard.
The accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity shows it was originally finished in silver metallic over green leather, and while the marvelous interior color has been retained, while the exterior is now painted a rich, elegant black. The cabin sports period-correct square weave carpet, ivory-colored steering wheel and switchgear, and a fabulous Telefunken radio. At some point, the car was separated from its original engine, but is presently fitted with a correct-type, 1,500cc Porsche engine, fitted with refurbished Solex PBJ Carburetors in 2016. The engine serial number falls within the range of 1500 Normal engines produced in 1955, according to Dr. Brett Johnson. Since its restoration and subsequent detailing, the Continental Cabriolet has been fastidiously maintained and was exercised on the 2016 running of the California Mille rally and scored a class award at the 2019 LaJolla Concours d'Elegance. It now presents in lovely condition, having mellowed gently with occasional use, making it a tempting proposition for weekend tours.
Given the swift actions by Ford to quash Porsche's attempts at using the Continental moniker, precious few Continentals were made in either Coupe or Cabriolet form. Only 228 of the latter made it in before the fender script was changed from "Continental" to "European." Showing exceedingly well, this lovely and rarely seen 356 will undoubtedly spark the interest of onlookers wherever you take it.
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