A beautifully restored example of Porsche’s early sports car legacy is now up for grabs. This 1959 Porsche 356A coupe, a Reutter-bodied classic, is being offered on dealer consignment and presents a compelling blend of period charm and carefully selected enhancements. Accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and a clean California title, the car is an alluring opportunity for collectors seeking a driver-focused vintage Porsche with tasteful modifications.

Originally delivered in Silver Metallic, this 356A underwent a comprehensive refurbishment following its acquisition by the current owner in 2015. The most visually striking change is its respray in Aquamarine Blue, a period-correct and highly desirable Porsche hue that complements the coupe’s rounded silhouette. Alongside cosmetic upgrades, structural work included replacement of the battery box and floors, addressing common rust-prone areas and ensuring long-term solidity.

Adding to its distinct profile are a set of polished 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Vredestein Sprint Classic 165HR15 tires. These are paired with factory-style drum brakes, serviced during the restoration, and upgraded with Koni shock absorbers to enhance ride quality while maintaining period-correct mechanical authenticity. A rare sliding steel sunroof adds both value and an extra dose of charm.

Inside, the cabin presents a vintage racing-inspired aesthetic, with fixed-back Speedster-style bucket seats trimmed in vibrant red vinyl. Beige squareweave carpeting lines the cabin, and while the dash retains a Porsche-branded radio blanking plate for a clean look, an antenna and speakers were discreetly added during the refurbishment. Instrumentation is classic VDO, with a central 8,000-rpm tachometer, a 160-mph speedometer, and a combination oil temp/fuel gauge. The five-digit odometer reads 15,000 miles, though true mileage is unknown.

Powering this 356A is a rebuilt flat-four engine sourced from a 1967 Porsche 912, installed during the restoration. It maintains the original six-volt electrical system and is fitted with dual Solex carburetors, a 356-style oil filter, and a later-series fuel pump. Shifting is handled by a replacement 741/2 four-speed manual transaxle, rebuilt by Ron’s Transaxle of San Pablo—renowned specialists in vintage Porsche drivetrains.

While not a fully numbers-matching car, this 1959 Porsche 356A strikes a thoughtful balance between originality and usability. The factory colors and serials are documented by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring a level of provenance. Ideal for vintage rallies, weekend drives, or display in a curated collection, this lovingly restored 356A coupe is a tribute to Porsche’s golden-era design and engineering.

The auction ends on July 10 and the highest bid at the time of writing was USD $65,000.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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In the mid-50s, Porsche introduced the second version of its first production car, the 356A, which has attracted the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors for years. It was produced until 1959 in more than 20,000 examples, and one of them, the 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster is up for auction.

This 356A speedster is powered by an overhauled 1.6-liter flat-four engine with twin Zenith carburetors, mated to a four-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. It sits on Silver-finished 15″ steel wheels wrapped in 165/80 Nexen SB-802 tires.

The car left the factory on October 30, 1957 with Reutter-built bodywork in Ruby Red. In the late 2000s it was completely refurbished which included a repaint in Aquamarine Blue. It is equipped with a driver’s side mirror, a Reutter badge affixed to the right-front fender, gold-color badging, and body-color bumpers with chrome guards, dual exhaust outlets that exit through the rear overriders, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Inside, the seats are covered in red leather that also covers the door panels, the upper part of the dash and the rear bench. In front of the driver are a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, VDO instruments with green lettering, a central 6k-rpm tachometer, a 120 mph speedometer and a five-digit odometer reading 85,603 miles.

The car comes with manufacturer’s literature, handwritten service notes, a tool kit, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a Reutter Certificate of Production, and a clean Florida title in the owner’s name. The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity lists the original colors and component numbers as well as options, including coupe seats and US-market bumpers.

The auction ends on September 11 and the highest bid at the time of writing was $100,356 USD.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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