At the end of 1955, Porsche’s US importer, Max Hoffman, proposed adding the name “Continental” to the 356 model designation, believing a prestigious, European-inspired name would boost sales. Porsche embraced the idea, equipping the final 356 “Pre A” models with a more luxurious configuration and distinctive “Continental” script.

Production of the “Continental” lasted only from October 1954 to October 1955, ending when Ford, citing its trademark for “Continental,” demanded Porsche discontinue the name.

By then, Karosserie Reutter had already produced pre-punched fenders for the “Continental” script. To utilize these, Porsche replaced “Continental” with “European” on updated 356 A “T1” models built between October 1955 and January 1956, after which the designation was discontinued.

This 1956 Porsche 356 A “European” Cabriolet was sold new to the holding company of Porsche works driver Petermax Müller in Hannover, Germany. A German motor sports pioneer, Müller built Volkswagen-based race cars, won the German 1100 cc sports car championship, and claimed 60 victories by 1951. In late 1951, he set endurance records in a 356 SL Gmünd Coupe and competed in the Monte Carlo Rally and Liège-Rome-Liège race in 1952 and 1954.

By 1979, this car was owned by Californian Laurence Huff, who is said to have placed it in long-term storage. In 2012, it was purchased by the current owner, who commissioned award-winning marque experts Rainer Cooney and Jerry Dascoli of Meister Restorations to perform a meticulous and correct restoration while preserving its originality.

The 356 was fully disassembled and stripped to bare metal. Original body panels, marked with the final two digits of the chassis number, were repaired and repainted in Aquamarine Metallic. The interior was refurbished with new red leather upholstery and carpeting, while the instrumentation was rebuilt. Date-coded 15" steel wheels were refinished and fitted with new tires. A copy of the Porsche’s Kardex indicates this 356 originally left the factory with engine no. 55868, likely a typographical error, as no such engine was produced. The installed Type 616/1 1500 engine, no. 60582, was deemed correct for the model and rebuilt alongside the four-speed gearbox.

Completed in 2014, the restored 356 earned three first-place ribbons at a subsequent Porsche Club of America North-East Region Concours d’Elegance. A rare piece of Porsche history, this 356 A “European” Cabriolet has been sparingly driven since restoration and comes with an owner’s manual, restoration records, copy of Kardex, Porsche COA, and tool kit. Only a small number of 356 A “European”models were built, and fewer survive today, with just eight Cabriolets listed in the 356 European Registry.