This 1956 Porsche 356A is one of just a handful of US-market Reutter Cabriolets originally badged with “European” script on the front fender. The car left the factory finished in Silver Metallic over a red leather interior and has resided in the Pacific Northwest since the 1960s. The seller acquired it from the original owner’s family two years ago, and the car is said to have been in storage since the early 1980s. A non-running Volkswagen engine is currently installed, and much of the removed glass, interior, and trim components accompany the sale. The numbers-matching 1.6L flat-four is also included along with the original 4-speed transaxle. This 356A project is now being offered with a Porsche Production Specifications certificate and a clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

Porsche began putting “Continental” script on the fenders of 1955 356 1600 coupes and cabriolets destined for the US market. This was reportedly done at the advice of importer Max Hoffman, who believed that Porsche’s 356 internal design number would be less appealing to American consumers. Ford threatened legal action against Porsche in 1955 for their use of the Continental designation, and the manufacturer subsequently switched to “European” script until January 1956.

This example received some restoration work in the 1980s, at which point the exterior was partially stripped and finished in primer from the doors to the rear valance. The original owner reportedly hit mailbox at some point, which resulted in replacement of the passenger-side fender. The engine cover, trunk lid, and doors remain original, and closeups of matching body number (19) stampings are provided in the gallery.

Drum brakes and wide-five wheels remain installed at each corner, and the car is reported to roll and steer. Photos of included lights, trim, and badging are provided in the gallery below, along with images of the soft top in its raised position.

The front seats are reported to have been reupholstered at some point, and the factory rear bench has been dyed to match. A factory steering wheel and gauges are present, and a period Blaupunkt radio is included along with older door panels and rubber floor mats.

The factory 616/1 flat-four has been removed from the car and accompanies the sale, along with a pair of Solex 34 PICB carburetors. A non-running Volkswagen engine is currently installed and mated with the factory 4-speed transaxle.

Engine stamping *60284* and transaxle stamping 7416 are shown above. Both match the included certificate from Porsche, confirming originality.

Additional photos of the floors, rockers, and suspension are provided in the gallery below. Rust is noted in the battery tray, front-inner wheel wells, and left-front fender.

A November 28, 1955 build date is listed on the Porsche Production Specifications certificate, as is the original color configuration of Metallic Silver over a red leather interior. Factory options included sealed beam headlamps, an mph speedometer, and the “European” type designation.