At the request of American importer Max Hoffman, 356s for the 1955 model year were badged as Continentals before reaching American shores.
As Lincoln protested the Continental name being used, the Porsche Continental was only produced in 1955 and thus represented the ultimate Pre-A 1500 before 356A production commenced.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Stuttgart, Germany |
| body stylist | Erwin Komenda |
| engine | Type 527 Air Cooled Flat-4 |
| position | Rear, Longituinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV |
| fuel feed | Dual Solex 40 PIBC Downdraft |
| power | 44.7 kw / 60 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
| bhp/weight | 80.21 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Tub Chassus |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Steel Discs |
| front tires | 5.00-16 |
| rear tires | 5.00-16 |
| steering | VW Worm & Nut |
| f suspension | VW Parallel Trailing Arms, Tubular Dampers |
| r suspension | VW Leading Arms w/Torsion Bars, Hydraulic Lever-Arm Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 748 kg / 1647 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2101 mm / 82.7 in |
| front track | 1290 mm / 50.8 in |
| rear track | 1250 mm / 49.2 in |
| length | 3950 mm / 155.5 in |
| transmission | VW 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1955 Porsche 356/1500 Continental Cabriolet 60771 – sold for $297,000 Decade long restoration completed in 2005. Originally finished in Silver Metallic over Green Leather, the interior color has been retained while the exterior is now painted a rich, elegant black. Losing its original engine at some point, it is presently fitted with a correct-type 1500 Normal mill. Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1955 Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet 60870 – sold for $313,500 One of Approximately 230 Examples Produced. Painstakingly Executed and Preserved Late 1990s Restoration. Offered with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. An Exceptionally Attractive and Fascinating Early 356 Model. Many Improvements for Enhanced Drivability. Auction Source: The 2015 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Cabriolet 60719 – sold for $330,000 One of only 228 Continental Cabriolets built in 1955. Unique, special-order car with rare accessories, including a Petri steering wheel. Three owners from new; matching numbers. Freshly restored by a marque specialist. Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included. Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions
1955 Porsche 356/1500 Continental Cabriolet 60873 – sold for $310,750 One of Only 278 Pre-A Cabriolets Built in 1955. Spectacular Terra Cotta over Ocher Color Scheme. Delivered with Rare Factory Options and Accessories. Faithfully Executed Show-Quality Restoration. Documented Matching-Numbers Engine. Perfect Entry for Leading Concours and Marque Gatherings. Offered with Kardex, Tool Kit, and Owner’s Manual. An Exceptionally Attractive and Significant Early Porsche. Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
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