1957 Porsche 356A coupe early car #16

For sale by owner: early 1957 356A normal coupe, car #16, VIN: 58328
engine 63913, transaxle 257099, type 716
You are viewing a well maintained and reliable 356A driver that's for sale by it's long term owner.

I purchased this car in the early 80's in central Fl from an owner who had too many projects and elected to sell this one off. I was a 19 year old then, some 36 years ago, and I really wanted this car. It was rough, but frankly, an easy save. The pan had some rust-throughs in spots, had to be fixed. Short on cash then, I purchased repair panels from PB Tweeks and I personally welded them in with an oxy acetylene torch and steel alloy welding rods. After some 36 years the pan is as you see in the photos, absolutely untouched since my repairs back then.
The upper body was decent, I just sanded it and painted. The engine was not seized and it turned with a wrench, I had it totally rebuilt before it went on the road. It was my daily commuter in Tampa when I was an engineering student at USF. In my ownership it's always been garaged in my barn in central Florida, never into salt or snow.

Body and paint: Body uncut and unmodified. Painted twice in red enamel, most recently a few years ago, showing it's age in places, but still is respectable. Doors close w/o slamming, unbroken windows crank up and down, hood/trunk/door gaps are good, all open/close without issue.

Interior: redone some years ago in a scheme in red and black, see photos. Seats are racing types, with 5 point harnesses, each side. I still have the original seats and brackets, they're decent and come with the sale. All gauges work, speedo odometer recently repaired (reads 92406 today, exact mileage unknown); Heater, radio and horn do not work . One window latch in the rear is broken. Door lock cylinders inoperative, but key fits.

Engine and machinery: Still a 1600 normal engine, unmodified. Solex PBJ carbs recently synchronized and tuned, engine runs well. I never wanted to go down the "performance" road, no trick cam and webers for me, thanks. My goal was long term reliability and engine life, and so longevity was the aim. In my years of ownership, it has had two total rebuilds, last one 2009 +/-. Pulls strong (for a 356 normal engine), an occasional smoke puff on trailing throttle. In the early 80's I was told by my seller this was the original engine. Electric fuel pump, original one is still in place, just needs a rebuild kit.
Transaxle - it has a later "A" transaxle of the type 716 series, with improved synchros from the previous models. Shifts well, the clutch hooks up smoothly, no slipping or chatter. New boots just installed on swing axles.
Brakes are fully functional, firm pedal. Silicon fluid installed in the 80's, no issues. Suspension is unmodified. Wheels are steel 15" x 6" with spun disc covers. Tires are Michelin Pilot 185/65-15 (fore), Vredestein 165HR15 (aft), all 4 in good shape.
The unusual look of this one is not for purists, but it's what I wanted, and I love it. If it's not for you, the conversion back to look like all the other 356A's is a simple "bolt on" change, because this car has not been cut or chopped up. Replace the wheels with chromes and center caps, unbolt the nerf bars, bolt on the bumpers; remove the racing seats, put in the original ones, and there it is, original appearance again for modest dollars and a few hours work.
I have a set of new chrome trim pieces for the glass, comes with the car, also a spare generator.

If it sells to a nearby buyer, it can of course be driven away, but don't forget how to get the seats, etc home with you. Or transport it, I will assist as needed. Clean Florida title, no liens or issues, it has a current valid Florida tag and registration.

Want to see a video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmpWz9WbCmU
This is a simple drive video, get to see that it runs and shifts, a sense for how it runs.

Bidders wishing to inspect prior to sale should contact me asap to make arrangements well prior to auction's end. The car is in New York State near the upstate village of Alexandria Bay.

This is a 62 yr old used car, it is sold "as is, where is" without any guarantees or warranties expressed or implied, no returns or refunds.

A $500 payment is due via paypal within 48 hrs of auction close, balance due within 1 week. Car and title do not leave my possession until payment has been received and deposited in full to my local bank's reasonable satisfaction.
I will not accept any bids from bidders with less than 10 ebay transactions, and will cancel those bids.

Want more info? Email me via "contact seller" for phone number. I'll take more pictures on your request, close-ups of any details you wish.
Thanks for looking, I hope you enjoyed your look at my vintage 356A!
Louise