1956 Porsche 356 A European Coupe by Reutter

heroldius (65)in #cars • 6 years ago

Always in Monterey (California), in August, this classic 1956 Porsche 356A European Coupe will heading to auction throught RM Sotheby's, only the earliest 356 A models for the American market have the golden European script on the side.

History of the Porsche 356 A

In 1956, the 356 was replaced by the heavily modified 356 A. The upgrades were part of the Technical Program 1 or T1. The A series was distinguished from the first 356 from a design point of view thanks to a curved panoramic windshield in one piece and a modified front-handle handle with the Porsche logo.

And some other model of the 356 A :

1955 356 A Coupe with Sunroof

1956 356 A 1600 S Speedster

This exceptional 356 A coupe has its European badge on the side. In 1955, Porsche put a Continental script on the 356 for the American market but under the pressure from Ford Motor Company, Porsche changed the name to European for the 1956 model. But in January, Porsche ceased using this script. I don't know why, so if someone has the reason, I'll be happy to learn it.

Technical specification

The 356 was proposed on the market with five four-cylinder engines:

356 to 1300 with 44 hp,
356 A 1300 Super with 60 hp,
356 1600 with 60 hp,
356 A 1600 Super with 75 hp,
356 A 1500 GS Carrera with 100 hp.

This model was restored with 1.7 litre industrial Porsche engine from 1969 (616/33-1). For the exterior, the coachwork is by Reutter and was repainted in Fashion Grey with a stunning dark red leather interior. Beautiful...