1955 356 Pre-A Continental Coupe

The 356 Continental was a short-lived but memorable chapter in Porsche’s early U.S. marketing story. Conceived by legendary importer Max Hoffman, it was essentially a pre-A 356 fitted with the top-spec 1500cc engine and various extras, rebranded with “Continental” badging to appeal to American buyers as a sophisticated European sports car. All were coupes or cabriolets and bore distinctive script emblems on the front fenders. But the name drew legal pushback from Ford, who already had rights to the Continental name via its Lincoln division. As a result, Porsche was forced to drop the moniker after just one year, making the 356 Continental both rare and historically significant. For 1956, it was quietly renamed the 356 “European.”

This 1955 356 Pre-A Continental Coupe was originally finished in Silver Metallic but was repainted Red approximately 16 years ago. The body shows bubbling, paint chips, and body damage near the left hood hinge and the factory Continental badging is not installed but included in the sale. The interior features Tan leather seats, though the glovebox insert is missing and the fuel gauge functions intermittently. Power comes from a replacement flat-four sourced from a 356SC, paired with dual EMPI carburetors, 9.2:1 compression pistons, and a 12-volt system, and features a four-speed manual that was overhauled in 2012. A bit rough around the edges, but a rare one none-the-less.

We haven’t seen very many Pre-A Coupes online over the past twelve months but a handful have sold at catalog sales with average prices sitting just over $180,000 and the only other Continental selling for $156,800 all-in back in March. Our Spotlight Car eclipsed that previous Continental, hammering at a final bid of $159,999. A strong sale considering the minor needs, but you have to pay up for rarity.

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