75 hp, ‘Super’ 1,582 cc rear-mounted opposed air-cooled four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with torsion bars, anti-roll bar, trailing arms and telescopic shock absorbers, independent swing axle rear suspension with torsion bars and telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in.

• Rare right-hand drive example

• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

• Unusual factory-correct original colour of Meissen Blue

Porsche introduced its first car, ultimately referred to as the 356, in March 1948. VW-supplied running gear, suspension, brakes, steering, and gearbox underpinned the car, while Porsche modified the engine with redesigned heads and a Solex carburettor above each bank of cylinders on twin-port manifolds. About 50 hand-built coupés and cabriolets were produced between 1948 and 1951, with the company quickly in need of better facilities in order to grow and prosper.

Production began in March 1950. Demand quickly exceeded the original quota of 500 cars; the company reached that number just a year later. By March 1954, the company had built 10 times its original estimate. The 356A, introduced in 1956, was an update of the original. Included were a curved, one-piece windshield, more specialised Porsche components, and a greater choice of engines, including the 1600 Super with a 15 horsepower increase to 75 horsepower over the standard specification. The 356B remained in production through the 1959 model year.

This rare right-hand drive cabriolet was originally invoiced in February 1959, to the Hamilton dealership in Melbourne, Australia. An unusual but factory-correct colour of Meissen Blue was ordered along with specific options, including Koni dampers and Phoenix tyres. Around 1974, the car was purchased by an owner who some ten years later commenced restoration. It was completed in 1987, and the car has since been driven and serviced regularly.

When the current owners purchased the car, it was decided to return the car to its original specification. The body was taken to bare metal and painted its original colour. Invoices totalling approximately €15,000 are included, attesting to what has been invested in new chrome, rubber, and various other items within the last year. The engine bay has been detailed to present as nicely as the exterior. With a beige soft top and interior and the unusual but strikingly handsome paint colour, the car makes a fantastic and lasting impression. The owner adds that the Porsche is a fantastic running car that provides lots of fun and enjoyment. It is currently registered in the Netherlands and comes with a recent MoT.