1955 Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet
indiGO Classic Cars proudly offer this magnificent, ully Restored 1955 Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet in Silver over a Blue interior with a beautiful Silver dash and Blue leather seats. The Porsche 356 is powered by a 1,500 cc Flat Four Cylinder engine producing 55 hp through a Rear Wheel Drive and a 4-Speed Manual Transmission.
Beginning in 1950 and following the move from Gmünd, ustria, o Stuttgart, ermany, orsche commenced series production of stylish and upscale 356-based Cabriolet models, ith approximately 40 examples built by both the Reutter and Gläser coachworks in Germany. By 1954, roduction increased yearly, ith the luxurious, ell-appointed, nd expensive models enjoying growing popularity among well-heeled driving enthusiasts. Thanks to their fixed windscreens, nugly layered folding tops, nd well-bolstered seats, orsche’s early convertibles were an ideal choice for lengthy and highly spirited cross-country drives.
During 1955, orsche’s American importer Max Hoffman was brainstorming new ways to enhance the appeal of the 356 to his discerning clientele. Taking note of the cachet provided by names, uch as Bel Air or Fairlane applied to the upper-level Chevrolet's and Fords of the era, offman convinced Porsche management to begin placing stylish gold “Continental” scripts to a number of well-equipped Pre-A 356 Cabriolets in 1955.
However, roduction of the Continental-badged Porsche's ended quickly when Ford Motor Company filed suit against Porsche for sole rights to the use of the Continental name. Since Ford already owned and used the Continental trademark and was planning to revive the name for their upcoming Continental Mk II and its new corporate brand, orsche complied. As a result, nly about 230 Porsche 356 Continentals were produced in all, ncluding this very fine example.
This 356 Continental is reported to have been initially titled in Kentucky. During the early to mid-1990's, prominent New Jersey-based collector specializing in rare European cars acquired the Continental from Ken Daugherty of Louisville, entucky, ho is known to Porsche aficionados as a Pre-A 356 expert. While the Continental was quite sound, painstaking comprehensive restoration was commissioned and performed by marque specialist Dave Norr of CB Restorations in New England. The Porsche was primarily stored with only several hundred miles covered since work was completed in 2008.
Mechanical restoration highlights include installation of a peppier 1,600 cc unit, hich was fitted with a new camshaft. All mechanical elements were extensively rebuilt and restored, nd the Continental is equipped with upgraded 12-volt electrics for reliability and operating ease. While the Continental has not yet been shown competitively, t was highly regarded by Porsche experts. Now offered complete with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, rior title documents, nd an album containing restoration photographs, his fascinating, are, nd superb Porsche 356 Continental Cabriolet will make a fantastic addition to any well-curated collection of the rarest and most interesting early Porsche classics.
indiGO Classic Cars is a member of The indiGO Auto Group which includes Lamborghini Houston and Porsche of North Houston in Houston, exas as well as Desert European Motorcars in Rancho Mirage, alifornia. Desert European Motorcars is indiGO’s ten acre luxury & performance automotive campus in Rancho Mirage, alifornia, onveniently located in the Coachella Valley and part of the greater Palm Springs, alifornia metropolitan area. Desert European is comprised of Rolls-Royce, entley, ston Martin, aguar, and Rover, nd Audi Rancho Mirage as well as Porsche of Rancho Mirage and Maserati of Rancho Mirage. All of indiGO’s Rancho Mirage portfolio are factory authorized dealerships. indiGO Classic Cars specializes in unique post war European sports cars, merican classics, nd vintage motorcars. Our dealership features a beautiful showroom, ully staffed service center and parts department, nd detail department. Allow us to also help arrange enclosed transportation of your classic car directly to your home anywhere in the world. Financing is also available. Trade-in proposals are always welcome. For further information on this vehicle, imply call, mail, r drop by our location at 13921 North Freeway (I-45N) on the north side of Houston. You will meet the friendliest group of car enthusiasts anywhere!