Stunning 1958 356A Super Cabriolet an Elusive Find
Porsche built just 1,382 356A Super Cabriolets in 1958, and this amazing example has quite a few interesting features, too.
Rare and Notable
Porsche's illustrious history is littered with rare and notable models. And while the 911 might get most of the attention, there are more than a few 356 models worth chasing. One of them is this 1958 Porsche 356A Super Cabriolet that we spotted over at Mecum Auctions, which is one of just 1,382 built.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Rare Wheels
This particular 356 also sports the rare Rudge wheels, a special road-wheel mounted to the brake drum on a splined locating receiver and secured with a twin-prong wing nut/knock-off. This was a pricey option offered on the 356 and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL during this time period, which is why you rarely see them today.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio right here in Rennlist.com.
Subtle Changes
Those wheels are color-keyed to the red body and highlighted with chrome-center knock-offs for a truly unique look. And they complement the updated lines of this '58 356 perfectly. This model year ushered in some subtle but attractive updates, including teardrop-shaped taillights and a rear illumination light bar mounted underneath the license plate.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio right here in Rennlist.com.
Interior Features
The interior of this stunning machine features goodies such as black leather seats, German square weave carpet, the optional VDM wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a Blaupunkt push-button radio. The overall look provides a perfect contrast for the blacktop and all-red exterior as well.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio right here in Rennlist.com
Super Power
Even the engine in this rare Porsche plays the star here. The "Super" engine was the highest-output pushrod engine of its generation, offering up 75 horsepower. That obviously seems pretty meager by today's standards, but with little weight to push around, this 356 is still certainly driveable.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio right here in Rennlist.com.
Notable Features
Other notable features include the steering box, which was upgraded to a ZF worm-and-roller unit, the floor pan, which was locally reinforced to accommodate seat belts, and twin exhaust pipes that exit through the rear bumper guards.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio right here in Rennlist.com.
Totally Worthy
This iconic design only continued to further perfect the original production of Porsche's formula, and it's a fantastic representation of the breed. Not to mention a rather rare one. And today, this red beauty is certainly worthy of living in the finest Porsche collections our world has to offer.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this beautiful classic 356A Cabrio 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.