DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

As my speedster nears hitting the road, I have turned my attention back to my Coupe. Quite a nice spec, RHD 1959A super, silver with red interior.

For a 60+ year old car it is remarkably good condition and mostly original, matching numbers, however the front seats were lost by one of the previous owners and the bonnet was badly damaged. Mechanically the car is good, for safety I fitted disc brakes from a 356c, upgraded twin circuit brakes. Currently has a VW type 1 engine with 130bhp (original no's matching 1600 super engine stored on shelf) and 12volt system and slightly lowered suspension.

So the history of the car; sold by J.H. Bartlett (Dealer) to J. Ellman-Brown hence EB 125 via AFN, ref 403. I am the 10th owner, in my possession since 1984.

Car as purchased by Mr Arthur Sheffield in autumn 1959

356 pict circa 1959

Condition in 1984

Scan 3

It took me until 1992 to get an MOT and driving. I was at university most of the time so very limited funds.

Scan 11 May 1988

This is around 2006, 1st trip to Le Mans. Absolute fantastic trip, and we made it back. Not a bad home paint job, back when you were allowed to.

18th July 2004 front quarter

2011 Second trip to Le Mans

Le Mans 2011 IMG_2565

The plan is to replace the original floors (Fred flintstone) inner rockers, jacking points, repaint in silver, new exterior trims and then over to Garry at Classic FX for full red/ hounds tooth interior. I am trying to get the car to look like a well cared for car built in 1959. Not looking for a concourse condition which I would be scared to drive.

IMG_4563 2020

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Garry very kindly found some original style seats to replace my Tombstones
DJKZ6935

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The car is now completely dis-assembled ready to go for paint next week. I have also bought a whole host of parts for the re-assembly.

possibly first time Ive seem pics of your car ? .. you can't have been old in 1984 if the following years were Uni ?

hot66 wrote: .. you can't have been old in 1984 if the following years were Uni ?

I ran out of fingers counting but had the same thoughts too!!!

I wish, last year of university in 1984/ 85.

I remember seeing you drive around locally and parked up at Woolies when it was blue

It was BMC clipper blue, always loved the colour!

Gregg,

Now that is interesting! My RHD 1959 356A super was ordered by AFN for delivery to the well known London sports car dealer JH Bartlett in May 1959. He was the first listed owner and had it for 6 months. My chassis no is 106954. Now it leaves me wondering if our cars were delivered side by side? I never knew AFN were involved till I received info after asking for help on that from Mike Smith at PRS services. He was sorting out all AFN ordered cars and sent me written confirmation.

So it seems all ' car dealer operated concerns' still had to go through AFN.

I have found some JH Bartlett sales adverts that were placed by him in magazines and it shows several 356 cars in his line ups on his forecourt.

Your car looks great and it seems like mine you have a really original one. The previous owner by the name of Sheffield you advised I am sort of sure he had others too? Seen his name before?

Roy

Morning Roy,

Suspect you are right they good very well be stable mates;
1959 RHD 356A super 75
Chassis number 106851
Completion Date - 03/03/59 (by Porsche – this is when it actually rolled off the line)
Date Sold - Feb 1959 (Maybe on the 6th although that is more likely when the warrantee commenced – it`s too soon after the Porsche date above)

Maybe once lock down is over and we are allowed to be sociable again we can grab some pictures of the two cars together after 62 years

PS Arthur Sheffield was one of the founders of PCGB

How nice that you have had the car all these years, lots of history together. More pics please.

roy mawbey wrote:The previous owner by the name of Sheffield you advised I am sort of sure he had others too? Seen his name before?

Roy

I thought I remembered the name too - found this picture (& a brief description of the man) in the PCGB's booklet "The First 40 Years" :

Interesting picture

roy mawbey wrote:Gregg,

Now that is interesting! My RHD 1959 356A super was ordered by AFN for delivery to the well known London sports car dealer JH Bartlett in May 1959. He was the first listed owner and had it for 6 months. My chassis no is 106954. Now it leaves me wondering if our cars were delivered side by side? I never knew AFN were involved till I received info after asking for help on that from Mike Smith at PRS services. He was sorting out all AFN ordered cars and sent me written confirmation.

So it seems all ' car dealer operated concerns' still had to go through AFN.

I have found some JH Bartlett sales adverts that were placed by him in magazines and it shows several 356 cars in his line ups on his forecourt.

Your car looks great and it seems like mine you have a really original one. The previous owner by the name of Sheffield you advised I am sort of sure he had others too? Seen his name before?

Roy

My car is 106919, perhaps made the same week as yours Roy.

Yeah but you're no where near as cool as Arthur

Bootsy wrote:Yeah but you're no where near as cool as Arthur

I can do that look.... just give me a fag and show me a young lady.

Its great to see ' sense of humour ' on this thread we need a good laugh!! Thanks Greg and Andy for the info on Arthur Sheffield. I started my PCGB experience in the 1960's so that's how I must have remembered him. God, it well over 50 years ago suppose I am lucky to be able to even have remembered it!!

Greg, my AFN copied information stated their number for my car is P405. So close to yours!!

Yes Mike your car must have been on the same line as mine and Greg's. Even on the same transporter to the UK I wonder.

One question I know my Motorola valve radio was fitted when new not by the factory I think but by the importer or the Dealer Bartlett? The same with the Britax seat belts I believe. I have only ever seen one other 356A with a Motorola radio that was on WUF 10? or similar number that Drew restored. Greg does you car have one of these?

Greg, I have put some pics of my car on the DDK Members car thread ' 50 years the pictures ' if you had not seen any.

Roy

Roy