1959 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe

1959 Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe.

Classic color combination of silver with red Porsche leather interior. Very original and very rare car. Only one repaint 20 years ago. Correct engine case, not numbers matching, built to Super specs. Never been welded on, no accidents. Original panels, original floors, and original fuel tank. No drips, no leaks, zero mechanical or cosmetic issues, everything works, runs and drives perfectly. Recently-completed mechanical, undercarriage, and interior restoration by 356 expert Willhout Auto Restorations of Long Beach, California.

VIN 104784, Engine #P82848 (non-matching), Transaxle #21903 (matching).

Original factory options include: Sealed beam headlamps, luggage rack, Golde sunroof.

The repaint was done 20 years ago by a Concours shop in San Diego. It remains in show quality condition. No nicks, chips, or dings anywhere. Original glass has no chips or blemishes. Beautiful gaps.

Ownership history going back 30+ years. Car spent 19 years with previous owner in Texas. Prior to that, the car spent its entire life in Southern California. Kardex shows the car was originally delivered and sold at Competition Motors in North Hollywood, California.

As seen in the photos, it has a 1959 tag next to the VIN plate. It was built in Sept of 1958, which makes it an early 1959 model. The 1958 and 1959 models were essentially the same car. Some of the later 1959 cars had a higher front over rider tube on the front bumper, and a new front blinker that had a twist on lenses. Those were the only two basic differences. This car still has the earlier low bar and screw-on lenses.

The car retains many factory original items, which were left as-is during the restoration. The only notable deviation from original is that a Carrera tachometer and Speedometer were installed. The paint on the dashboard and glove box door are original.

The engine is not matching per the Certificate of Authenticity, but it is a period-correct Super engine with 75 horsepower. I have been told that the engine was swapped at Competition Motors early in the car's history, but cannot document this because the supporting paperwork is missing.

Everything works including the radio, sunroof, and all the bits. As noted by Willhoit, it drives as a new 356, and is mechanically impeccable, reliable, and ready for touring. It was shown by the Texas owner, and won numerous awards to include Best in Class at the 2000 and 2005 West Coast Holiday events.

In 2017, the car received a complete mechanical and undercarriage restoration by Willhoit Auto Restoration, of Long Beach, as well as a complete interior restoration by Autos International.

Work performed during 2017 included:

Removed engine, removed engine tin, washed engine and tin, replaced seals, repaired sleeve on pulley, blasted and painted muffler with ceramic paint, painted S pipes, painted J pipes, installed HD clamps, changed oil and filter, adjusted valves. Removed complete front suspension, rebuilt steering box, replaced tie rod ends, subbed out rebuild of link pins, installed new bearings, installed new HD link pin bushings and sway bar, delivered shoes and drums for turning/arching, greased front end, replaced engine. Replaced front and rear shocks, removed spring plates in rear and replaced bushings and set up, replaced shocks front and rear, replaced axle boots, cleaned transmission housing and axle tubes, installed correct hanger straps, installed heater parts and function. Installed dual circuit brake system, removed front and rear brake backing plates for painting, installed new rear axle seal kit, chase tie rod threaded sections for smooth operation. Brushed and cleaned entire undercarriage and fender wells, scraped any loose undercoating, sealed with epoxy primer by hand (not with spray), blasted and painted all backing plates, tie rods, torsion covers, spring plates and assorted parts. Blasted and tumbled brake drums. Painted engine compartment and installed new insulation. Replaced headlight rings. Replaced hoses on heat exchangers. Replaced cracked early fuel pump support with later aluminum type. Replaced copper washers at oil pressure stand. Replaced reproduction fuel tank sender with refurbished OEM type with correct date. Installed correct seat belt washers. Installed engine and tested. Removed steering wheel, sanded and painted with correct original color, replaced steering wheel. Installed new horn ring. Replaced horn contact for proper reliable function. Installed new battery. Performed final road testing and sorting. Prepped and painted original Reutter luggage rack with OEM type Hammertone finish. Shipped car to Autos International for complete interior restoration, to include new Porsche red leather upholstery and new OEM type tan carpets. Painted garnish rails to match red leather. Replace US type seat belts with Willhoit custom types. Performed four wheel alignment.

Currently riding on brand new 165R15 Vredestein tires.

Numerous photos that document the undercarriage and mechanical restoration, to include this online album by Willhoit:

https://willhoit356.smugmug.com/SERVICE-Completed/1959-Sunroof-Silver/i-Q2jqWqM

Car needs nothing, and is ready for shows and/or vintage touring events.

On Apr-15-18 at 13:36:08 PDT, seller added the following information:

Yes, the headliner is original, never replaced.