Porsche 356 A
The 356 A refined Porsche's first sports car, introducing the iconic curved windshield and legendary Carrera and Speedster variants. It's a blue-chip classic with a vast market ranging from accessible Coupes to world-class, top-dollar collectibles.
Porsche 356 A sold for a median of $160,356 over the last 12 months, based on 51 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $109,638 and $266,300. 91 currently for sale.
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Porsche 356 parts
Porsche 356 A prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | $231k | $132k–$293k | 18 | 6 |
| 1957 | $257k | $93k–$378k | 41 | 30 |
| 1958 | $208k | $121k–$294k | 35 | 18 |
| 1959 | $159k | $127k–$225k | 39 | 31 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The Porsche 356 A, produced from late 1955 to 1959, was the first major revision of Porsche's foundational sports car. It's easily distinguished from its 'Pre-A' predecessor by its curved, one-piece windshield and smaller 15-inch wheels. This generation introduced a wider range of engines, including the complex and powerful four-cam Carrera motor, and expanded the body style lineup to include the iconic, minimalist Speedster.
Collectors prize the 356 A for its pure, unfiltered driving experience and its significant place in Porsche's history. The variety of configurations, from the workhorse 1600 Super Coupe to the highly sought-after Carrera GS/GT Speedster, creates a diverse field for enthusiasts. While Speedsters command the highest prices due to their beauty and rarity, Coupes and Cabriolets offer a more accessible entry point into 356 A ownership and are often better suited for regular driving and touring.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Carefully inspect the floor pans, longitudinals, jack points, and the battery box area for corrosion or poor repairs.
- Verify numbers. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity or Kardex is essential to confirm the car retains its original engine and transmission, which is critical for top value.
- Be wary of high restoration costs. The complex Fuhrmann four-cam engine in Carrera models requires specialist knowledge and is extremely expensive to rebuild.
- Check for correct bodywork and components, especially on Speedsters and Convertible Ds. Original panels, top frames, and trim pieces are hard to find and costly.
1,030 Porsche 356 A vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 91 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Porsche 356 A cost?
Over the last 12 months, Porsche 356 A sold for a median of $160,356 across 51 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $109,638 and $266,300. There are 91 currently for sale.
How many Porsche 356 A listings are for sale right now?
There are 91 Porsche 356 A listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.
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