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One of only 22 made

1956 Porsche 356 European Cabriolet

Coachwork by Reutter?

Like so many successful marketing ideas of the time, it came from the German company’s North American importer, Max Hoffman (the man who also brought the world the 356 Speedster among other notable marques and models from Alfa Romeo, etc.). As a means of increasing the import of 356 coup?s and convertibles, he suggested 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 For 1955 the 1500 America was superseded by the better equipped, though still Normal powered, Continental to emphasize the international, sophisticated European nature of these advanced sports cars. The gold badge was in Porsche’s characteristic script, set on the top of each front wing of these top-model, 1500cc version, stacked full of options. 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.”

However, after Ford’s objections to the use of “Continental”, the model was changed to the “European” for 1956 model year. Again, highly optioned, and with the script adorning the front wings, very few of these cars exist. Records aren’t definitive, but it is believed that only 22 were built and only 16 are accounted for.

The car offered here is a very late “European” Cabriolet model of the 356, as ordered and delivered in March 1956 to Hoffman in New York. In barn-find condition, the body is essentially rust-free and straight with excellent panel fit. The doors, trunk and hood all fit perfectly with superb original panel gaps, and are marked with matching and original panel numbers. There is rust in the usual places of the floors and battery box – an easy repair.

The car is near complete with original engine and gearbox, running gear, etc. It will need the horn-button, shift lever, seats, rear bumper guards, radio, and Perspex sun visors to be complete. The original Solex carbs have been replaced with Dell’Ortos, but are readily available to return the car to original spec. It features the correct “Beehive” rear lights and sealed-beam headlights, in-dash ashtray (rather than under the dash), speedo in mph, and remains in the rare and original colour combination of triple black.

The car has been in dry storage since purchase in 1992, and was driven in there at that point. The engine turns freely, but may require a rebuild.

The car is accompanied by a 1992 Porsche Letter of Authenticity/early Kardex, which quotes the model type as a “356A Type European Cabriolet”, and includes engine and transmission numbers, and the chassis number, which corresponds to markings on the car’s original panels.

Here is a link to a similar car, sold recently at Gooding’s Scottsdale auction in January of this year for $310,750:

http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1955-porsche-356-1500-continental-cabriolet/

Clicking on one of the photos below will take you to a photobucket album with many details photos of the car including the underside.

For further information, please contact me by email or call 310.391.2376

Here is an excellent opportunity to acquire a Porsche 356 of equal value or more than a comparable Speedster, yet of far greater rarity. It is almost guaranteed acceptance in to any premiere international concours or touring event.

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