Coming into use for the 1955 model year, the term “Continental” referred to coupes and cabriolets bound for the United States and powered by the 1500 cc engine. This was a successor to the semi-official series “America” created mainly for the US market. However, Ford Motor Company took exception to Porsche’s use of the name because they were on the brink of reviving its own Continental, the Lincoln variety, for the 1956 model year. Ford made clear to Porsche that it had prior rights to the Continental name in the US and reportedly backed up its claim with a lawsuit. In a letter published in Road and Track in December 1955, Porsche’s New York representative, Wolfgang Raether, said the company would, “in agreement with Ford,” stop using the name Continental in its 1956 models.
The Continental came with a number of standard options including; Reclining leather seats, 2 sun visors, fuel gauge, wheel vent discs, mirrors etc. which made it the most expensive Porsche available at the time.
Chassis Number 60772 was completed at Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen in January 1955 and supplied new as a Left Hand Drive model to the USA via Hoffman Motors in March 1955. It was original presented with Silver Metallic (5406) body colour and red leather interior, the car is currently finished using the original colour scheme.
The first owner was an American Airlines pilot from Seattle and who sold the car to a Marshall A. Nelson of Spokane in the mid 1960’s. Many years of daily use on American roads eventually saw the car laid up in 1984. It was then imported to the UK in 1988 by the current owner. When the car arrived from the USA it was dark red, the owner wrote to Porsche Stuttgart and requested the original build sheet which stated the correct paint codes, engine number and factory options. Interestingly the factory did not have a record of the interior colour although on arrival the interior was in original and trimmed in red leather.
In July 2006 the car was subjected to a documented restoration by a leading Porsche specialist in the UK. The bodyshell has undergone a complete strip and rebuild including; new floors, longitudinals, closing panels, front clip, door etc. The engine and gearbox have been stripped and rebuilt along with a full refurbishment of the brakes and suspension.