1956 Porsche 356A 1500GS Carrera Cabriolet

• VIN 61148
• 1600cc push-rod engine with 100hp
• Carrera GS Type 519 transmission - 8261
• Completed March 28, 1956
• One of 26 T1 Carrera GS Cabriolets produced in 1956-1957
• Single-family ownership for the past 47 years

Over two years, this GS Carrera Cabriolet was treated to a complete concour bare metal restoration and has been finished in a remarkable color combination of Graphite Metallic (5603) over Red upholstery. Factory options include body-mounted fog lights and chrome wheels. The paintwork is in pristine condition throughout, with beautiful brightwork and original hardware. All decks and doors are matching and feature "48" stampings. The interior has been completely upholstered with German Red leather and features a VDM Porsche steering wheel, detailed VDO Carrera instrumentation, and a radio block off plate. The 4 ½" x 15" chrome wheels have Super hubcaps and are fitted with Vredestein Sprint Classic 165 15 tires. The undercarriage has been thoroughly detailed to show condition, and all the suspension was rebuilt.

This rare and highly collectible Porsche 356A 1500GS Carrera Cabriolet was delivered to the first owner, Eberhart Reinshagen, through Autohaus Krauß in Nürnberg, Germany. Initially delivered in Polyantha Red (5602) with Beige (2164) leather interior. A copy of the original factory Porsche Kardex records services until March 1959. The earliest known history begins with Mr. Salmon, a United States Air Force Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He reportedly purchased the GS Carrera Cabriolet sometime in the early 1970s and had the vehicle stored in a barn in Levittown, Pennsylvania. After sitting in a barn for nearly five (5) decades, the 356 was purchased by European Collectibles.

Once received, a full nut and bolt restoration began, the 356 was disassembled, and all the parts were inventoried. The body was stripped down to steel, media blasted, and sealed. Subsequently, the chassis was metal-finished, prepped, primed, and painted. The brightwork was triple-plated, and the trim and new rubber seals were installed. Only NOS or OEM components were used during the reassembly. Lastly, the undercarriage was restored using German undershoot.

Mechanically powered by a freshly rebuilt 1600cc push-rod engine with a mild cam, big valve cylinder heads, and Solex P40 carburetors, paired to a GS Carrera manual 4-speed transmission (Type 519) with a four-wheel drum braking system. Complete with full photo documentation of the work performed, Porsche Kardex, and spare tire. Eligible for many driving events, including the Colorado Grand, California Mille, Copper-state 1000, and many other events. It is one of only 26 Carrera 1500 GS Cabriolets that were built in 1956. This is one of the rarest Porsche production road cars ever made and a 'must have' for the serious Porsche collector.