When this black Porsche 356A rolled out from the factory in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, the company had been building cars in serial production for just 10 years. The year was 1958 and it was equipped with the biggest engine available, the 1.6 litre that produced 60 hp. 0 - 100 km/h took around 14 seconds - sports car performance at the time.
This 356 was one of 3 669 coupes produced that year and found its way to Sweden. Now owned by the same family since the end of the 1960s. It is a rare example of a 356 A in original condition, unrestored and thereby creating a direct link back to the 1950s.
Today, an increasing number of classic car enthusiasts prefers worn original cars, with a distinct history before perfectly restored ones. Particularly in Germany where they are sold for higher prices.
On this car, the patina on the emblems, the pitted door handles and the dents in the dashboard paint creates an authenticity like the wrinkles in an old person’s face. It´s original radio, of course a Blaupunkt, has played music for 60 years. When new, it might have been Buddy Holly’s ”Peggy Sue” that came out of the loudspeaker. Small details accentuate its Swedish history: a MOT sticker from 1974, the original registration plates from 1973, and the separate round reflectors at the rear.
In 1958, another black Porsche 356 was sold to a young actor named Steve McQueen. Also with the 1600 engine, but an open Speedster. It was McQueen´s first new car which he also came to race with. Today it is among the most highly valued cars with a celebrity history. Maybe McQueen´s car and the Swedish coupe stood shoulder to shoulder in the yard in Zuffenhausen in 1958?
The ownership of an early Porsche 356 is today supported by a good supply of spare parts, mostly remanufactured, making maintenance uncomplicated.
The value of this 356 from 1958 is appraised by Bilweb Auctions to between 750 - 900 000 SEK.
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