Any unrestored classic that presents so well after nearly seven decades of active service stands as a shining example of the company’s attention to detail and an owner’s desire to preserve their pride and joy for future generations to appreciate. The new owner could continue to enjoy this gem in its current form, although there is scope for them to undertake a few minor restoration tasks to lift its presentation to a higher level. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty for us.

Porsche released the original 356 in 1948, with the updated 356A hitting the market in late 1955. This 1956 example is a survivor that its first owner ordered in Arctic Silver. The seller doesn’t mention any restoration work, suggesting that it is a genuine survivor. Its condition is particularly noteworthy if that is the case because the paint shows no evidence of patchiness or matte areas. The panels are laser-straight, and the seller claims it is rust-free. It has always been garage-kept when not prowling the streets, which goes a long way toward explaining its overall condition. The seller removed the original hubcaps but includes them and some additional body parts in the cache of spares the buyer will take home with this classic. The remaining trim is in excellent condition, and there are no apparent glass issues.

The first owner teamed the Arctic Silver exterior with Red interior trim to produce a striking result. Once again, the overall condition is impressive for a survivor-grade car. The only apparent fault is some carpet wear, which might prompt the new owner to source a replacement set to lift the appearance. The sticking point is price because you will struggle to locate a carpet set for under $850. However, that is the interior’s only shortcoming, and spending the money is justified in a classic of this caliber. Otherwise, the upholstered surfaces are excellent, the dash and pad are spotless, and the beautiful mahogany wheel looks right at home inside this Porsche.

It is frustrating that the seller supplies no engine photos, but they do confirm that this 356A is numbers-matching. That means that it features a rear-mounted 1,600 Super four that sends 87hp and 86 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. The car retains its factory 6-volt electrical system, which is slightly unusual as many owners perform a 12-volt conversion on these classics. The power and torque figures may only be indicative because the listing suggests the cylinder heads have been “tickled,” and that the engine exhales through an Ansa exhaust. That may have unleashed a few additional ponies that would allow this classic to improve upon the factory-claimed ¼-mile ET of 18.7 seconds. The seller confirms the Porsche is a turnkey proposition that the buyer can enjoy immediately.

The Porsche 356A is a highly desirable classic, and good examples typically attract attention when they hit the market. The sticking point for many is that they rarely fall into the affordable category. This 1956 example is an exceptional car, and the seller has priced it accordingly. They have listed this beauty here on Craigslist in Long Island, New York. They set their price at $79,000, and while that figure isn’t pocket change, it looks extremely competitive in the current market. I believe it will find a new home with an enthusiast who will appreciate all it offers. Have you ever owned a 356A? If so, did you enjoy the experience enough to consider a repeat performance?