Jul 152 min read

Has the First Porsche 356A Been Discovered?

Well known Porsche 356A owner and driver, Mark Pribanic recently posted on his Facebook page about the discovery of what is believed to be the first Porsche 356A. Mark was sharing a Facebook post from Niche Motors outside Nashville with the announcement of one of the “ultimate barn finds”: The first Porsche 356A produced; number 55001.

Sometimes it is good to be lucky and curious. Niche Motors originally went to Peachtree City outside Atlanta to look at a pair of 356’s that had sat in a garage for years. The silver car was of particular interest because it was a rare sunroof model. They knew the green Porsche 356 was an early 356A but had no idea that it was the first.

Niche Motors Porsche 356 — Facebook Post on Initial Discovery of the First Porsche 356A

The silver Porsche 356A was originally purchased in 1965 and had been off the road since 1974. The green Porsche 356A, later identified as #55001, the first 356A was purchased as a parts car because the owner needed the starter. The green 356A then sat in the garage collecting dust and used as parts storage until Niche Motors heard about the pair of 356’s and made the deal to buy it.

Niche Motors Porsche 356 for sale — As the First Porsche 356A #55001 was Found

Apparently, it had long been known/rumored among the 356 community that these cars were sitting unused in the garage for many years, but the owner continued to rebuff approaches to sell. No one had any idea that the green 356 actually had the history of potentially be the “first 356A produced.”

Porsche 356 Sales Niche Motors — The Silver Porsche 356A Sunroof Coupe as found.

The sale/purchase prices are unknown but one poster said the silver one was for sale for around $90,000 with its matching numbers engine and transaxle though it was out of the car. The green car is missing its engine and transmission.

It is unknown what Niche Motors will ultimately do with the cars. Suggestions have been made to leave the Silver Sunroof 356A coupe as it is assuming it is all original. Regarding Number One, #55001 many believe Porsche will want this for the museum in Stuttgart. If this is the case, then it will be a very big find beyond just the Porsche 356 Community.

As Niche Motors states: “They’re still out there!” We all can only hope to have our own “barn find” of this significance.