Classic Car Overview
1959 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Super Cabriolet VIN 151XXX Engine No. 83268 (1600 Super) Transmission No. 25911 (Type 716) Certificate of Authenticity & Kardex Completed on February 4, 1959 No. 65 of 943 Cabriolets produced in 1959 This is a phenomenal example of the final year of the 356A Type-2 Cabriolet, the top-of-the-line and special ordered with a 1600cc Super engine, finished in a fantastic color combination of Meissen Blau (5703) with a Red leather interior and tan floor mats. This US Reutter Cabriolet was distributed by Intercaribbean in Hamburg, Germany, and delivered to San Diego, California. Factory options include US Overrider Bumpers and Sealed Beam Headlights. The drivability of this 356A T2 Cabriolet is simply outstanding; with plenty of power, it is fun to drive, and it has a smooth-shifting 716 manual 4-speed transmission, which was produced only in 1959. The 716 transmission makes this 356A drive, like no other from the 1950s, simply an amazing driving experience. It is well sorted and has been driven over 1,000 miles since the restoration. It was driven to the Palm Pines 356 Club of Southern California event in November 2024 and traveled 375 miles with no issues over 3 day drive. And getting ready to drive to the North meets the South - 356 Club of Southern California event in Cambria, California, May 1-4, which will be an easy 1000-mile round trip with over one hundred and fifty 356s. This 356 is well sorted and is finished in a stunning original color combination that is ready to enjoy! The paintwork is in fantastic condition with aluminum trim, fresh rubber seals, and beautiful bright work. The exterior is equipped with US overrider bumpers, factory glass, and a black canvas soft-top and boot cover. Original components include the date-coded fuel tank, Fuel sender, seat recliners, and soft-top frame. The interior is in exceptional condition and has been completely reupholstered by K&H Auto Upholstery in California with oatmeal German square weave carpets, red leather upholstery, headrests, black canvas soft top, and tan rubber floor mats to factory specifications with tan CoCo mats. The original VDM steering wheel with a deluxe horn ring sits ahead of VDO instrumentation and a working period Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. The undercarriage is solid, rust-free, and has been fully detailed to show condition. 4.5 x 15 painted wheels with baby moon hubcaps mounted to Vredestein 165 HR15 tires. According to the California registration from 1959, the first owner was Dr Manuel Barba, a neurosurgeon who was living in San Diego, California. The second owner, Gary Ragsdale, purchased the 356 in May of 1965 from La Mesa, California, and in 1968, Ragsdale moved to Beaverton, Oregon. In 1968, the 356 was sold to the third owner, David Berentson, in Lake Oswego, later moving to Portland, Oregon, with registrations from 1968 to 1978. The fourth owner, Mr. Kemmerick from Woodburn, Oregon, purchased the 356 on February 28, 1978, and owned the 356 until 2018. The fifth owner purchased the 356 in 2018 and underwent a two-year restoration completed in 2020, including a completely new interior, chrome work, mechanical, and reassembly. Most recently, from 2023 to 2024, European Collectibles performed a complete rebuild of the drum braking system; the undercarriage was thoroughly detailed to show condition, a thorough paint correction was completed, and the Super 1600cc engine was completely rebuilt. It is powered by the matching drive line with a 1600cc Super flat-four engine (Type 1600 S) producing 75 horsepower and performs flawlessly with plenty of power. The manual matching 4-speed transmission (Type 716) shifts through all the gears with ease, and the four-wheel drum braking system has been completely rebuilt. The Porsche Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity verify the originality of this 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Reutter Cabriolet. Complete with an owners manual, tool kit, jack, spare tire, and 65 years of history. Look no further if you have been in the market for a rare and eye-catching late model 356A Super Cabriolet.
