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Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet - 1955 |
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£165,000 |
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Vehicle Details |
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Original Manufactures Specifications |
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Registered |
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1955 |
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0-60 |
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16.5 sec |
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Engine |
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1488cc |
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Top Speed |
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96 mph |
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Chassis No. |
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60772 |
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Power |
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60bhp |
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Transmission |
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4 Speed manual |
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Colour |
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Silver Metallic (5406) |
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Here is a truly rare opportunity to own a unique piece of Porsche history. This beautifully prepared 1955, Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet is believed to be the only example in the UK and with only 70 models produced by the factory it’s a must for any discerning Porsche Collector.
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 aggreement with Ford," stop using the name Continental in its 1956 models.
The car was completed at Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen in 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 completely restored and several safety improvements undertaken to enable the car to compete in road rallies, works included full 12 volt conversion including a complete new wiring loom, and a third brake light to replace the original reverse light. 12 v sockets fitted. Roll-over bar which we had trimmed in leather to match the seats and an alloy fuel cell was installed. Four-point harnesses were installed, there being no belts originally. All instruments were overhauled by Palo Alto Speedo and they also refaced the fuel cell gauge to match. For some years the car has had a retrotrip rally meter cunningly concealed behind the ash tray cover.
This car has been restored regardless of cost and represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet, in outstanding condition throughout, complete with a comprehensive history file and restoration album.
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If you are
interested in this car, or any of our other classic
cars, please contact us
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Telephone:
Facsimilie:
Email:
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+44 (0)1908 216661
+44 (0)1908 216664
mpacey@export56.com
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Additional Information |
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3 Owners from new |
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1 of only |
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Featured in several Porsche books |
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Last owner 20 Years |
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Imported in to the USA via Hoffman Motors |
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Beautifully Restored Example |
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Left Hand Drive |
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Only Continetal Cabriolet in the UK |
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