1957 Porsche 356 A

Today the Porsche 356 is one of the all-time great sports cars, perfectly pure in its lightweight, no frills approach and as with any good sports classic, demand is high and availability is low, especially for the earliest and most desirable of the four 356 models.

The 356 was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche Senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car utilizing unitized pan and body construction.

While the 356's body was an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were derived from the Volkswagen. The first 356 was road certified in Austria on June 8, 1948, and used many Volkswagen parts for manufacturing economy. Quickly though, Porsche re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance. By the late '50s many fewer parts were shared between Volkswagen and Porsche. The early 356 automobile bodies produced at Gmünd were handcrafted in aluminum, but when production moved to Zuffenhausen, Germany in 1950, models produced there were steel-bodied.

Available here is an early Australian delivered Porsche 356 A, sold new by Hamiltons of Melbourne in mid 1957.

Matching in numbers, confirmed by Porsche Cars Australia, this fine example has just been released from long term private ownership where the car formed part of an extensive classic collection.

Offered in the classic combination of Silver Metallic over the original rich dark-red leatherette this 356 A is still in its original and untouched condition with only refurbishment carried out where needed. From the steering wheel and radio, to the carpets and seats all still from the factory. When looking under the engine lid, everything presents perfectly and to factory specification.

Adding to the established pedigree of the car is a very thick and in-depth history file showing log books from new and service paper work dating back to the beginning.

This is an exciting opportunity to own a rare right hand drive, matching numbers and Australian delivered 356 A.

Very original examples like this are becoming increasingly harder to find as demand in Australia and from abroad grows from strength to strength. Ready to drive off the showroom floor this 356 A is without question one of the most collectable classics to own.