| Mileage: | 30,751 miles |
| Year (Reg): | 1956 |
| Transmission: | 4-Speed Manual |
| Colour: | Period-Correct Blue |
| Engine: | 4 Cylinder – 4 Stroke 1.6L |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol |
1956 Porsche 356A T1 Coupe – Matching Numbers | Colorado Grand | Tour de France Automobile | Mille Miglia Eligible
Hamilton Gray’s Limited are delighted to present this exceptional 1956 Porsche 356A T1 Coupe, a genuine matching-numbers example with outstanding Californian provenance, documented international competition history and an exceptional accompanying history file.
Originally built in 1956 and first delivered in California in 1957, this beautifully preserved Porsche represents one of the most sought-after variants in the entire 356 lineage.
The Porsche 356A T1
The Porsche 356A T1 occupies a unique place in Stuttgart’s history. Introduced in late 1955 as the first evolution of the legendary 356A, the T1 bridged the gap between the original Pre-A cars and the later T2 models whilst retaining the delicate styling and purity that enthusiasts regard as the most beautiful of all early 356s.
Produced for only a relatively short period, the T1 is instantly recognisable by its iconic beehive rear lights, elegant low-profile bodywork, beautifully uncluttered dashboard and unmistakable early Porsche proportions. These cars established Porsche’s reputation for producing lightweight, beautifully engineered sports cars capable of winning both on the road and in competition.
During the 1950s the 356A became a dominant force in international motorsport, competing successfully in events including the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Liège–Rome–Liège, Alpine Rally and countless endurance races around the world. The combination of light weight, exceptional balance, superb reliability and engineering excellence made the 356 one of the defining sports cars of its generation.
Today the T1 is widely regarded as one of the most collectible early Porsches ever built. With comparatively limited production and many cars lost to time, surviving examples with documented provenance, matching numbers and competition history are becoming increasingly rare.
This remarkable example perfectly captures everything enthusiasts look for in an early Porsche.
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Provenance
Originally delivered to California in 1957, the car remained in the United States for many years before being acquired in 2005 from a respected California Classic Porsche judge and curator.
It subsequently became part of the collection of a NASCAR team manager before passing to its current owner in Spain, who has cherished the car for the past twenty years.
During the mid-1990s the Porsche underwent a comprehensive restoration and sympathetic competition preparation, creating an exceptionally capable historic rally car whilst carefully preserving the integrity and originality of the vehicle.
The comprehensive history file includes:
* Porsche Certificates of Authenticity (USA & Spain)
* Original California licence plate
* Original US documentation
* Extensive photographic restoration portfolio
* Porsche Panorama magazine featuring the car
* Historic competition documentation
* Various spare mechanical and body components
* Complete second set of wheels
* Original factory matching-numbers engine
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Matching Numbers
Importantly, this is a genuine matching-numbers Porsche 356A T1.
Whilst the car is currently fitted with a professionally built Porsche endurance engine for reliable touring and competition use, its original factory matching-numbers engine is included with the sale.
This gives the next custodian the rare opportunity to enjoy the performance and reliability of the upgraded engine whilst retaining one of the most valuable attributes any collector seeks — its original matching-numbers powerplant.
It truly offers the best of both worlds.
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Engine & Mechanical Specification
The current engine has been professionally built to period competition specification and offers exceptional performance whilst remaining entirely sympathetic to Porsche’s motorsport heritage.
Specification includes:
* Porsche 616/6 endurance racing engine
* Performance racing crankshaft
* Carrillo forged connecting rods
* Twin Weber 38 carburettors
* Electronic ignition
* Electric fuel pump
* Handcrafted Sebring-style sports exhaust
* Bilstein suspension
* Upgraded transmission
* Period-correct braking upgrades
* Period-correct electrical upgrades
* Nardi wood-rim steering wheel
* Oversized period-style wheels and tyres
Prepared and maintained by specialists experienced in supporting prestigious historic events including the Monte Carlo Historique, the car offers outstanding reliability together with an exhilarating and authentic driving experience.
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Exterior
Finished in its original Porsche period-correct Blue, the car displays a wonderfully authentic patina developed over decades of careful enjoyment.
Competition-inspired details include:
* Original Hella fog lamps
* Leather bonnet straps
* GT-style louvred engine lid
* Rally-style external fuel filler
* Period GT exterior mirror
* Original beehive rear lamps
Every enhancement has been carefully selected to reflect genuine Porsche competition practice during the 1950s and remains fully reversible should complete originality ever be desired.
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Competition History
This is far more than a beautifully restored Porsche — it is a genuine historic competition car with documented participation in internationally recognised events.
Among its known achievements are:
1996 – Colorado Grand
Successfully completed the prestigious 1,000-mile Colorado Grand without incident.
1998 – Tour de France Automobile Optic
Transported from the United States to France, received FIA certification and competed in the 57th Tour de France Automobile. The original competition number plates accompany the car.
2007 – Mille Miglia Torrelodones “Trece Clásicos”
Successfully competed in this renowned historic event.
The car has also featured in Porsche Panorama Magazine, a copy of which accompanies the history file.
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Documentation
Accompanying the vehicle is an exceptional collection of documentation including:
* Original factory matching-numbers engine
* Porsche Certificates of Authenticity
* Original US documentation
* Original California licence plate
* Porsche Panorama magazine
* Extensive restoration photographs
* Historic event documentation
* Spare mechanical and body components
* Complete second set of wheels
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Registration
The vehicle is currently registered as a Historic Vehicle in Spain and therefore benefits from EU registration.
For UK buyers, the car can be imported and registered in the United Kingdom, subject to the applicable import duties, taxes and DVLA registration requirements.
Worldwide shipping can be arranged.
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Summary
Finding an early Porsche 356A T1 is difficult.
Finding a genuine matching-numbers example with Californian provenance, twenty years of careful ownership, documented competition history, Porsche Certificates of Authenticity, original documentation, extensive restoration records and its original factory engine included is exceptionally rare.
This remarkable Porsche offers the purity of Ferry Porsche’s original vision combined with discreet period competition enhancements that transform it into an outstanding historic touring and rally machine.
Whether destined for the Mille Miglia, the Colorado Grand, Tour Auto, concours lawns or simply to be enjoyed on some of the world’s finest roads, this represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most charismatic and collectible early Porsche sports cars available anywhere on the market today.
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Sale Information
This exceptional Porsche 356A T1 is proudly offered for sale by Hamilton Gray’s Limited on behalf of its owner.
We specialise in sourcing and marketing exceptional collector, investment and historically significant motor cars, providing buyers with a professional, knowledgeable and transparent purchasing experience.
Comprehensive photography, walkaround videos, copies of the history file and supporting documentation are available upon request.
Worldwide shipping can be arranged, together with assistance for UK importation and registration.
Please Note:
The above Specification is as accurate as we can establish,
but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Purchaser to
check the details of the vehicle to their satisfaction before
buying. Hamilton Gray’s are Not Responsible ‘Post Sale’
We have the V5 logbook and will look after your cherished transfer with the DVLA if you own a cherished plate.
Any inspection is welcome and viewings are highly recommended at our indoor showroom. We are based in Loughborough, Leicestershire which is just 5 minutes drive from Junction 23 of the M1.
We accept all major debit or credit cards and finance is available, subject to status.
Legal Disclaimer: Hamilton Gray’s Ltd make every effort to ensure that information contained in their adverts is accurate and complete, however, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of said information, and therefore cannot be held liable for any reliance which you may place upon it.
