Set to cross the auction block at this year’s Bonhams Greenwich Auction are three highly collectible examples of the legendary Porsche 356, each representing a distinct chapter in Porsche’s early sports car legacy and the growing demand for historically significant air-cooled models.
1957 Porsche 356A 1500 Carrera GT
Highlights
1,582cc Type 547/1 Four-Cam DOHC Flat-Four Engine
Dual Weber Carburetors
Approximately 110–115bhp at 6,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Torsion Bar Suspension
Rear Swing Axle Suspension
Four-Wheel Drum Brakes
Finished in its rare factory-correct shade of Aquamarine Blue over black leatherette upholstery with contrasting gray corduroy inserts, this 1957 Porsche 356 A Carrera GT stands among the most competition-oriented variants of Porsche’s celebrated four-cam Carrera lineage. Produced in extremely limited numbers, the Carrera GT was developed as a lightweight homologation special for rallying and international motorsport competition, pairing reduced weight with Porsche’s advanced Type 547 four-cam engine technology.
The model’s racing pedigree and scarcity have made it one of the most sought-after early Carreras among collectors, particularly those that retain factory-correct specifications and period presentation.
1957 Porsche 356A T1 Speedster
Highlights
1,720cc Type 616/1 OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine (see text)
2 Solex PBIC Carburetors
75bhp at 4,500rpm (see text)
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Chassis number 83066 benefits from a well-documented ownership history tracing back to its original delivery through Hoffman Motors of New York on March 12, 1957. The famed Manhattan dealership served as Porsche’s primary East Coast distributor during the brand’s formative years in the United States and played a pivotal role in establishing the marque’s early American presence.
Further documentation includes a 1975 factory letter signed by former Porsche racing driver and historian Jürgen Barth confirming the car’s original factory colors of red over black leatherette. Adding to the Speedster’s period charm, the original windscreen still carries parking stickers from Northwestern University dating from 1966 and 1967, offering a rare glimpse into the car’s early life.
Long prized for their minimalist design and direct driving experience, early 356 Speedsters continue to rank among the most collectible postwar sports cars.
1961 Porsche 356B Super 90 Cabriolet
Highlights
1,596cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Solex Carburetors
90bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Dual Circuit Hydraulic Drum Brakes
One of approximately 700 examples produced, this 1961 Porsche 356B Super 90 Cabriolet was completed on April 4, 1961, and originally delivered in Signal Red over Black leather with factory-optioned Continental tires.
Today, the Cabriolet remains presented in its original factory color combination. Delivered new through AFN Ltd. in England in April 1961, accompanying Kardex records indicate the car returned to the dealer for servicing several times during its early ownership, with the final recorded entry dated November 8, 1961, showing approximately 9,144 kilometers on the odometer.
As one of the final and most refined iterations of the 356 series, the Super 90 combined improved performance with open-top touring appeal, helping cement Porsche’s growing international reputation during the early 1960s.
Above contents © 2026 Bonhams, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee
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