It was in the autumn of 1955 that the 356 evolved and became the 356 A. It was more comfortable and had more powerful 1300 and 1600 cm3 engines. Available as a cabriolet, the 1600 S was the most advanced version in the range, with only 1,382 sold in all body styles and around 400 in the cabriolet version. An excellent alternative to the Speedster, the 1600 S was more reasonably priced on the market, without losing any of its exclusivity.

Leaving the production lines on 19 July 1958, our first-generation 356 was of American origin and had 87,350 unwarranted miles on the clock. The car has covered just 1,500 kilometers following its restoration to the very highest standards, which was completed earlier this year and required more than 1,600 hours of work. The vehicle is in perfect condition, inside and out, and can be described as a brand new car, restored to the highest standards. Appraisal report, Carvertical and Histovec favorable, Kardex in our possession. The car is registered in France under the "carte grise collection" system. The history contains invoices for the work carried out, available on request. All the identification numbers and cold stamping correspond to the original numbers, engine, chassis, gearbox and doors, making this a very rare car fully equipped with its original components.

ENGINE AND GEARBOX
The original engine and gearbox were completely overhauled during an engine rebuild carried out by Dad's little garage in Crest, France. The engine has a displacement of 1582 cm3 and develops 75 bhp, making it very pleasant to use and perfectly suited to the spirit of the vehicle. Once started up, the flat 4 stabilizes quickly and emits no suspicious noise or smoke. On the road, the engine revs up nicely without any dips in power, with power modulated by a four-speed gearbox. The car is well maintained and ready to cover any distance.

EXTERIOR
The chrome trim along the rocker panels and a new windscreen distinguish this car from the pre-A models. Thanks to its current owner, our example benefited from a complete restoration of the chassis and bodywork, which involved disassembling, stripping and reassembling the entire body, while preserving the original doors (front and rear bonnets and doors). The Ivory color (ref 5704) seems to have been made for the curves of the Reutter bodywork and is presented in impeccable condition. The aluminum wheels with chrome hubcaps and the exterior chrome are in perfect condition. Thanks to the extensive work carried out on the bodywork, there are no defects on the underpinnings, wheel arches or bodywork. The black soft top is brand new.

INTERIOR
The interior has been completely redone by "le p'tit garage de papa" in high-quality full-grain leather in a brown hue that suits the car perfectly. All the instrumentation is in working order, the steering wheel and radio are original, and the dashboard and new carpets are in perfect condition.

CONSUMABLES
In terms of consumables, the Michelin XZX 165/70 SR15 tyres fitted are new, as is the braking system.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information. Visits by appointment only.