Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupe, 1954
Porsche 356 I
Porsche 356 I•
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Chassis No.: 52257
Engine No.: 32749 (see text)
US$257,600 USD | Sold
- 1,488cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
- 2 Carburetors
- 72bhp at 5,100rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Desirable early 'Bent-window' Pre-A model fitted with sunroof
- Stunning restoration performed by noted Porsche specialist Jeff Huber
- Recorded as having been retained for 'Porsche Factory Use' when new
Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminum-bodied cars built at the Gmünd, Austria-based old sawmill, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 Coupe at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then from 1955 in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with Le Sarthe.
Constant development saw the 356's engine progressively enlarged, with 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre units first becoming available in 1951. In 1952 the original split windscreen was replaced by a one-piece bent screen and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the revised 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels.
These early 'Pre-A' Porsche 356 models are today considered some of the most collectible and rare Porsche cars ever produced, and are admired for their pure and clean design.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The early Pre-A examples of the legendary Porsche 356 are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Indeed, no Porsche Collection can be truly complete without one of these groundbreaking models which started it all. According to the copy of the Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity of file, this Porsche 356 Pre-A chassis no. 52257 was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works during the summer of 1954 and was one of 1,363 Coupes produced that year. While the original engine no. 33178 is no longer with the car, a correct type 546 engine carrying no. 32749 of identical specification and only 429 units previous is currently installed.
It is considered a period correct replacement engine from the same 1500cc engine group. The Porsche Certificate further indicates that the original paint color was Derby Red, with Rosanil Leather in the cockpit. Most interestingly, the Porsche records indicate that this 356 was intended for "Porsche Factory Use", and these cars were typically used for testing and executive transportation. The sunroof option is not listed on any factory documentation for this car, but as the sunroof became an official factory offering during late 1954 production, it is possible this was a sunroof test car.
Further records indicate that this car was shipped to Brumos Porsche of Jacksonville, Florida in 1955, for use by Herr Will Van de Kamp, the US East Coast Distributor for Volkswagen at the time.
When acquired by the consignor about a decade ago, this early Pre-A Porsche was found in sound condition, but in need of a complete restoration. Although a comprehensive restoration was begun at another restoration facility, Jeff Huber of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Huber Restorations was retained to take over and complete the restoration returning the rare, early Porsche 356 to its former glory. The exterior and interior colors are done as they were at the factory in 1954; with Derby Red paintjob gracing the clean 356 Reutter bodywork and the interior trimmed in Rosanil red leather. Tan German type square weave carpets were fitted and color-coded 16" wheels were mounted with white wall tires.
The dash-mounted Telefunken radio was restored, as were the delicate metric instruments situated in the distinct early Pre-A dashboard.
Today this rare Porsche presents beautifully inside and out and would be a welcomed entrant to any Porsche event or Concours d'Elegance. Offered with a tool kit and the aforementioned documentation, this early Pre-A 356 Sunroof Coupe beautifully demonstrates the pure and clean design of these early Porsche cars.
Cost
946,036 AED
