This 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster is a pre-A 1500 Super that was completed on February 16, 1955, before being delivered to the US via Hoffman...
Porsche 356 Pre-A For Sale – Early & Ultra-Rare Classic Listings
The Porsche 356 Pre-A represents the very beginning of Porsche as a road-car manufacturer. Built from approximately 1948 to 1955, Pre-A models predate the official “356 A” designation and reflect Porsche’s earliest production methods—hand-built bodies, evolving mechanical specifications, and numerous detail changes from year to year. These cars are the closest road-going connection to Porsche’s post-war origins and formative motorsport philosophy.
Today, the Porsche 356 Pre-A sits at the very top of the early Porsche collector hierarchy. Values are driven by rarity, originality, provenance, and historical importance rather than performance or usability. With extremely limited surviving examples and strong global demand from serious collectors, museums, and marque historians, the Pre-A is widely regarded as a cornerstone piece in any significant Porsche collection.
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Used Porsche 356 Pre-A For Sale
Below you’ll find a curated selection of Porsche 356 Pre-A cars for sale, sourced from across the web, including elite specialty dealers, major international auction houses, and verified private collector listings. Because Pre-A cars trade infrequently and are often sold discreetly, consolidating available examples into a single, trusted resource is especially valuable for serious buyers. Porsche 356 Pre-A listings can vary dramatically in specification, condition, and value, depending on originality, restoration quality, and documented history. Some examples retain remarkable originality, while others have undergone extensive, period-correct restorations.
Porsche 356 Pre-A Market, Buyer FAQs & Handy Guides
Tips to Follow When Buying a Porsche 356 Pre-A
What is the Porsche 356 A?
The Porsche 356 A is the second major evolution of Porsche’s first production sports car, built from 1955 to 1959. Often referred to as the point where the 356 “came of age,” the A introduced improved engines, better suspension, stronger brakes, and more refined construction compared to earlier Pre-A cars. It retained the lightweight, rear-engine layout that defined early Porsche while becoming more usable and reliable.
Why would someone want a Porsche 356 A?
Buyers are drawn to the 356 A because it offers authentic early Porsche character with greater drivability than earlier models. It delivers everything enthusiasts associate with classic Porsche—simplicity, balance, mechanical feedback, and timeless design—without feeling as delicate or primitive as a Pre-A. For many collectors, it’s the ideal blend of vintage charm and real-world usability.
Where does the Porsche 356 A sit in the collector car world?
The 356 A sits firmly in blue-chip classic Porsche territory. It’s widely respected among collectors, museums, and enthusiasts as one of the most important early Porsche models. While Speedsters and Carrera variants command the highest premiums, all well-documented 356 A models are considered legitimate collector cars with global demand.
Are Porsche 356 A values increasing?
Yes. Values for Porsche 356 A models have shown long-term strength and resilience, even through broader market fluctuations. The strongest appreciation is typically seen in original, correctly restored cars with solid documentation. While the market can ebb and flow, the 356 A benefits from limited supply, global collector interest, and historical significance that continues to support prices.
What body styles were available on the 356 A?
The 356 A was offered in Coupe, Cabriolet, and Speedster form. Coupes are the most common and often the best entry point. Cabriolets offer open-top enjoyment with higher production quality. Speedsters are the most iconic and valuable, prized for their minimalist design and motorsport image. Condition and originality matter more than body style alone.
What should I look for when buying a Porsche 356 A?
Key considerations include authenticity, rust condition, restoration quality, and documentation. Rust repair can be extremely costly, so structural integrity is critical. Buyers should verify matching numbers (engine and gearbox where applicable), period-correct components, and the quality of any restoration work. A pre-purchase inspection by a 356 specialist is essential.
How important is originality on a 356 A?
Originality is very important in the 356 A market. Cars retaining correct engines, body panels, interiors, and factory specifications tend to command the highest values. That said, high-quality, properly documented restorations are widely accepted, especially when performed with period-correct methods and materials.
How does the Porsche 356 A drive?
The 356 A offers a pure, analog driving experience. It’s light, communicative, and rewarding at modest speeds. Steering feel and chassis balance are standout traits, and the car encourages smooth, momentum-based driving rather than outright speed. It’s less about performance numbers and more about connection and feel.
Is the Porsche 356 A a good investment?
While no classic car should be bought solely as an investment, the 356 A has exceptionally strong fundamentals: historical importance, limited supply, and sustained global demand. Well-documented, correctly restored or original cars tend to hold value well over time and are widely viewed as safe long-term collector holdings.
Are modified or “outlaw” 356 A cars worth considering?
Outlaw or modified 356 A cars can be fantastic drivers and often deliver enhanced performance and usability. However, they generally appeal to a different buyer than traditional collectors and typically trade at lower prices than original or period-correct examples. Buyers should be clear whether they’re prioritizing driving enjoyment or collectibility.
Who is the ideal Porsche 356 A buyer?
The ideal buyer is someone who values history, craftsmanship, and driving purity. The 356 A appeals to collectors building serious Porsche collections, enthusiasts stepping into early Porsche ownership, and drivers who want an iconic classic that feels special every time it’s driven.
Why choose a 356 A over a Pre-A or 356 B?
The 356 A offers a sweet spot in the lineup. Compared to Pre-A cars, it’s more usable and less fragile; compared to the later 356 B, it retains a purer early-Porsche look and feel. Many buyers see it as the most balanced and emotionally appealing 356 generation.
