Rare 356A Ice Racer Sells for Big Bucks in Italy

Fascinating History

Porsche built quite a few 356s over the years as the world immediately fell in love with the German automaker's very first sports car. That means there are plenty to choose from on the market, but few are anything like this unique ice racer that recently sold over at Get Your Classic. This particular 356 has a fascinating history, which helps justify its roughly $312,000 price tag.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

Going Back

This 356's history can be traced back to when it was originally delivered to Porsche legend Max Hoffman's New York dealership. At the time, it was finished in blue with a beige interior, and at some point, it began its racing career. Little is known about the Porsche's history prior to 1972, however, at which time it began a six-year stint in SCCA competition.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

>>Join the conversation about this 356A Ice Racer right here in Rennlist.com.

Back to Germany

In 1978, the 356 found its way back to Germany, where the new owner reinstalled the original drum brakes, seats, windshield, and tank, all of which had been upgraded for racing purposes. However, the car continued to be used on the track, this time in Monza racing and historic Porsche races at the Nurburgring.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

>>Join the conversation about this 356A Ice Racer right here in Rennlist.com.

Still Going

Today, the 356 is wrapped in a two-tone green and yellow livery with yellow lens headlights, a roll bar, racing seat, and period wheels. It appeared at the last two Grand Prix Ice Races in Zell am See, Austria, still powered by its original air-cooled powerplant with a four-speed manual and drum brakes.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

>>Join the conversation about this 356A Ice Racer right here in Rennlist.com.

Video Game Star

On top of all that, this 356 is also featured in Gran Turismo as a GP Ice Racer selection, which only adds to its appeal, we'd say. At some point, it was repainted black underneath its vinyl wrap, should someone choose to peel that off. Personally, however, we'd leave it just the way it is.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

>>Join the conversation about this 356A Ice Racer right here in Rennlist.com.

Lifelong Racer

Overall, this 356 is a seriously cool car that's been raced most of its life, and that definitely counts for something. Still, it was a surprise to see it garner so much money when it went up for sale, but that just proves that old Porsche racers hold a special place in our hearts.

Photos: Andrew Selter for Get Your Classic

>>Join the conversation about this 356A Ice Racer right here in Rennlist.com.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.