1959 356A T2 Restoration

The above pictures show how my RHD 1959 Porsche 356a T2 was found in a barn in 1994. It still had its original green log book and MOT documents with the car. It had been in barn storage since 1973.

The vehicle was originally ordered in ivory white with a red viyyal interior. Although at some point from 1968 the color was changed to maroon. It was first registered in August 1959 and on its last MOT in 1972 had covered 9340 miles and had 12,000 miles on the clock when it was laid to rest in 73.

The car had managed to retain its original engine for its entire life and was found to be in a good usable condition upon inspection.

 

After the car was taken to the specialist for blasting and restoration, it was found to be needing a substantial amount of structual and body work. The following pictures were taken after the car was set up on a jig to have the new longitudinals and floor pan and replacement bulkhead section welded in. The rear inner arches and inner panels were replaced along with the rear suspension mounts. The front scuttle panel, hinge panels and suspension support areas and front nose section were also repaired or replaced. Both lock panels have also been repaired along with the doors.

 

Drivers side suspension mounts and lock post

Front suspension area repairs

Passenger side suspension mounts and lock post area.

Fitting of front hinge panels whilst front nose section is removed

This picture shows the replacement of the inner rear wheel arches and inner rear panel. The floorpan spot welds can also be seen before they were ground down.

Inner rear repairs completed, ready to weld in new rear parcel shelf.

Sealing of new floorpan

 

After these repairs were carried out the suspension, brakes and gearbox were all reconditioned and refitted to the restored bodywork. Leaving the vehicle a very sound rust free rolling shell.

Completed engine area with gearbox in place on new transmission mounts.

This picture shows the nose section and bonnet in place, this is the bodies current condition.

I will post further pictures as it progresses, as soon as I find a local body finishing and paint specialist to complete the closing bodywork stages.

The Original engine has been dismantled and has had the bottom end rebuilt. Pictures of the engine build will follow soon.