LOT 13

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 53982

Estimate: US$225,000 - US$300,000

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Lot 13

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe

The Laguna Seca Auction|13 August 2026, 10:00 PDT|WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 53982

1,488cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carburetors
55bhp at 4400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

* Comprehensive no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration
* Finished in its correct factory color combination of Silver over Red interior
* Accompanied by Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Reutter Certificate of Production, Kardex and restoration documentation
* Delivered with factory options, tachometer in miles, sealed headlights, chrome wheel hubcaps

THE PORSCHE 356 PRE-A CONTINENTAL

Introduced for 1955, the Porsche 356 Pre-A Continental represented the evolution of Max Hoffman's successful 1500 America, offering increased refinement while retaining the sporting character of Porsche's first production model. Built for the American market, the Continental combined elegant styling, everyday usability and the proven 1,488cc flat-four engine. Produced for a limited period before the name was discontinued, these early bent-window examples have become among the most sought-after variants of the 356, prized for their rarity, purity of design and connection to Porsche's formative years.

THE CAR OFFERED

This example, chassis 53982, is a rare Continental Sunroof Coupe that has benefited from a comprehensive rotisserie restoration completed to exacting standards. The car has been restored to its correct factory specification, finished in Silver over a Red interior and with special factory options of sealed beam headlights, a tachometer in miles, chrome wheel hubcaps and, of course, the highly desirable sunroof. Its engine and gearbox have been carefully rebuilt, including restoration of the dual Solex carburetors, while the braking system has been overhauled and new tires fitted.

Accompanied by an extensive documentation package including a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Reutter Certificate of Production, factory Kardex and a bespoke restoration book with photographs, this stunning Continental Sunroof Coupe offers the desirable combination of rare sunroof coachwork, documented provenance and meticulous restoration. It represents a highly collectible example of Porsche's earliest production sports cars.

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