1955 Porsche 356 1500 Continental Cabriolet
Chassis No. 60873
Engine No. 35295
* Rare Pre-A Cabriolet - Delivered with unusual Factory Options and Accessories
* Stunning Restoration - Excellent Entry for Leading Concours and Marque Gatherings
* Numbers-Matching - Offered with COA, Kardex, Tool Kit, and Owner's Manual
* Eligible for varies tours, rallies, and events throughout the world.
* One of only 278 Cabriolets made in 1955 and even fewer Continentals
* An Exceptionally Attractive and Significant Early Porsche
The last of the original 356s were built in 1955, replaced by the heavily revised 356 A. Just as the new 1955 models were being developed, influential US importer Max Hoffman came to Porsche with another enticing marketing strategy. Believing that an evocative name would better resonate with the American market, Hoffman suggested that the latest Porsche 356s ought to be referred to as the "Continental." As Hoffman only dealt with the high-end 1500 models, the Continental name was carried in script on the front fender of the last and most exclusive Pre-A 356s. Cars delivered elsewhere did not have the script. Unfortunately for Porsche, Ford Motor Company claimed the rights to the "Continental" name and threatened legal action, so Porsche stopped using that script at the end of the 1955 model year and changed the script to "European" for the 1956 model year.
Completed in July 1955, the uniquely optioned Continental Cabriolet was delivered to its first owner, Robert Jackson, through a direct factory sale. Distinguished by its sensational color scheme, multitude of factory options, and meticulous concours-quality restoration, the Porsche presented here is an important example of the 356 Continental Cabriolets.
Originally finished in Terra Cotta with Yellow Earth leather upholstery and a beige canvas convertible top, this Continental Cabriolet wears a distinctive period color combination that was offered during just two years of 356 production. Ideally suited for the chic character of an open sports car, Terra Cotta was the color Porsche selected for the Cabriolet depicted in factory sales literature.
As documented by the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 1500 Cabriolet was custom-tailored with an unusual combination of options. Externally, the Reutter coachwork was ordered with chrome-plated bumpers and a hood panel absent a handle, noteworthy features that immediately set this car apart from countless other 356s. In addition to these elements, the Continental was equipped with seat belts, a speedometer in miles, and an ultra-deluxe Becker Mexico-a high-end luxury stereo rarely specified in early Porsches. Interestingly, Porsche designed a special shift lever that was used only when the Mexico was also installed.
While little of the Continental's early history is recorded, by the 1980s, the 356 was in the hands of Joseph Harris, a Porsche collector and restorer living in Rockford, Illinois. In early 1989, Harris wrote a letter to the Porsche factory to verify the original build specifications of his 1955 Cabriolet. Having learned of the Porsche's rare features, Harris was determined to return this exceptional 356 to its original splendor. In 2009, after many years of diligent research and preparation, Harris embarked on a comprehensive restoration that took approximately two years to complete.
During the disassembly process, Harris discovered that the Porsche also had the correct brackets and openings for body-mounted fog lights, which were offered through Porsche's accessory catalogue. Once the bodywork was prepared to the highest standards, the Cabriolet was refinished in the original Terra Cotta shade. While this work was being carried out, 356 specialist Victor Miles plated the brightwork and sourced rare NOS trim pieces. Thanks to these dedicated efforts, this limited-production Continental features correct glass reflectors and properly stamped original components, hard-to-come-by features that are usually replaced with aftermarket reproductions.
Consistent with the meticulous nature of the body and paintwork, the distinguishing features of the interior were carefully studied and, with the guidance of a noted marque specialist, restored to their original appearance. Extreme care was taken with the selection of the finest leather upholstery and the correct square weave carpets were custom-dyed to match original samples then bound with cloth or vinyl where appropriate. The tremendous attention to detail extended to the restoration of the Becker Mexico radio and the installation of aluminum crimp strips at the doorjambs.
The presentation of both compartments is equally impressive. The original, matching-numbers engine, rebuilt and detailed to show standards with early-style Bosch distributor cap and Knecht mesh air filters.
Fitted with whitewall tires, louvered beauty rings, and all of its as-delivered options, this rare open Porsche has a marvelous period-correct appearance that is both elegant and sporting. The beautifully presented tool kit and owner's manual are valuable additions that further emphasize the painstaking attention to detail that went into this exquisite presentation.
Carefully maintained in a discerning Southern California collection, this Porsche has covered less than 300 miles since it was restored and just recently shown publicly for the first time at the Concours d'Elegance of Texas. With its classic bent windshield, tinted sun visors, single-exit exhaust, beehive taillights, and exclusive Continental badging, this marvelous 356 Cabriolet is bound to attract admiration wherever it goes, and it appears to be a prime candidate for leading concours events and marque gatherings.
Recently featured on Classic Driver and their Crossing Continents Newsletter: http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3400.asp?id=16973
$379,000.00 or Best Offer
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