1959 Porsche 356A Super Coupe

SOLD!

Highlights

• Final model year of the Porsche 356A

• Desirable 1600 Super Coupe with factory Speedster gearbox

• Four-owner California car retaining its original black license plates

• Current ownership since 1990

• Mostly original interior with one exterior repaint in the factory Silver Metallic

• 1,720cc engine rebuilt by German Car Service in 2012

• Extensive original literature, service records, ownership history, and concours documentation

Overview

Among the most refined iterations of Porsche's original sports car, the 1959 model year represents the final evolution of the A-series before the introduction of the 356B. Incorporating years of continuous engineering development while retaining the elegant styling of the early 356, these late A-series cars strike a balance between early Porsche character and everyday usability that has long made them favorites among enthusiasts.

Factory records indicate this example was imported to the United States through Max Hoffman on September 23, 1958. Its original Porsche service booklet identifies its first owner as Jack Fields of Burlingame, California, and records the same September 23, 1958 purchase date. The car subsequently passed to Lewis Haviland of Palos Verdes, California, followed by Lester Johnson, also of Palos Verdes. The current and fourth owner acquired the car in February 1990 and has retained it for the past 36 years. During that time, the 356 was shown extensively at Porsche Club and Southern California concours events while being carefully maintained and enjoyed. The car now shows 110,384 miles and retains its original California black license plates.

Finished in its factory shade of Silver Metallic, the exterior was refinished once prior to the current owner's acquisition, while the door jambs, dashboard, and other concealed areas retain their original factory paint. The body is believed to remain free of accident damage or rust repair, retaining its original floors, battery box, and body panels. Matching "774" stampings remain visible on both the front hood and engine lid, while additional original details include a July 1958-dated fuel sender and original date-coded wheels.

The cabin remains remarkably original, preserving its factory upholstery, carpets, door panels, instrumentation, steering wheel, and trim. The only notable deviations from factory specification are a reupholstered dash cover and reproduction headrests.

Power is provided by a later 616/12 1600 Super flat-four from a 356B, rebuilt to 1,720cc by respected Porsche specialist Bruno Heidenwag of German Car Service in 2012. Completed using an 86mm big-bore piston and cylinder set, the rebuild included comprehensive machine work consisting of cleaning and inspection of the engine components, magnaflux inspection of the crankshaft, and line-boring of the engine case. Approximately 2,200 miles have been added since the rebuild. The original four-speed manual transmission remains installed and is identified on the factory Porsche Certificate as the desirable Speedster gearbox.

The car was further serviced by Red Line of Los Angeles in late 2022, approximately 600 miles ago. Work included servicing the fuel system, replacing the Zenith carburetor base gaskets and check valves, replacing the fuel filter, fuel petcock, front and rear brake hoses, and front sway bar bushings, changing the engine oil and cleaning the oil strainer, and flushing the brake hydraulic system. Vredestein Sprint Classic tires were subsequently installed in 2023 and have accumulated approximately 300 miles.

Accompanying the car are its Porsche Certificate, original Porsche driver's manual and service booklet, period Hoffman-Porsche dealer directory, Porsche body maintenance booklet, Becker Europa literature, factory tool kit, jack, spare wheel, German Car Service engine rebuild invoice, decades of service records, previous California registrations, and extensive concours documentation. The car was shown regularly during the current owner's stewardship, earning numerous class wins and awards at Porsche Club and Southern California concours events.