Restored 1958 Porsche 356 A Coupé: A One-Off Masterpiece of Special Requests

A meticulously restored 1958 Porsche 356 A Coupé, a unique factory one-off with a plethora of special requests, has captured attention on the Dutch coast. This remarkable vehicle, the result of a decade-long restoration by enthusiast Henk Spin, represents a fascinating chapter in Porsche's history, showcasing early customization by a visionary client.

A One-Of-A-Kind Porsche

Henk Spin's 1958 Porsche 356 A Coupé in Porcelain White is more than just a classic car; it's a unique piece of automotive history. Initially purchased as a restoration project, Spin discovered during the process that the car deviated significantly from standard specifications. His investigation led him to the Porsche archives in Stuttgart, where he uncovered that this 356 was one of eight "Schmidt cars" commissioned by Reinhard Schmidt.

The Visionary Reinhard Schmidt

Reinhard Schmidt, an engineer with the automotive supplier ATE, was a forward-thinking individual with a passion for automotive innovation. He utilized his position to cultivate relationships with Porsche and Volkswagen, leading to the creation of these highly customized, ahead-of-their-time vehicles. Schmidt's special requests for his Porsches were extensive and often defied convention, making them almost futuristic for their era.

A Glimpse into the Past

• Extraordinary Features: The 356 A Coupé, chassis number 102324, was delivered to Schmidt with numerous unique features. Notably, it included a telephone system, a rarity for the time, which cost nearly half the price of the car itself.

• Customization Details: The car boasts special colors like Porcelain White and Acella Red for interior elements, white napa leather seats, and red window trim. It also features a Lorenz telephone system with a 50-centimeter antenna and a Blaupunkt Köln car radio.

• Performance Enhancements: Schmidt also requested a speedometer from the 356 Carrera and a tachometer from the 356 1600 Super, along with a Junghans clock. Other unique additions include engine bay and trunk lighting, a hazard light switch, a toolbox, toggle switches, a portable rally light, and an electric windshield wiper fluid pump.

A Decade of Dedication

Spin's restoration journey spanned ten years, involving over 3,000 hours of dedicated work. He relied heavily on Porsche Classic for parts and expertise to bring the car back to its original glory. The process was a labor of love, requiring immense patience and detective work to source period-correct components and understand the car's unique history. Spin's workshop is a testament to his passion, filled with other Porsches and memorabilia, highlighting his deep connection to the brand.