Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupé by Reutter, 1954
Porsche 356 I
Porsche 356 I•
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Chassis No.: 51847
Engine No.: 32797
Registration: 345 BMG
Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his independent automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. The work of Ferry Porsche, the Type 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, Ferdinand, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension.
Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminium-bodied cars built at the Gmünd, Austria-based old sawmill, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 Coupé 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. 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.
‘345 BMG’ is a matching numbers, beautifully restored, 1954 right hand drive 356 Pre-A 1500 coupé finished in Adria Blue with grey vinyl interior and, in our opinion, is in concours condition. It is believed to be the earliest example of any of these right hand Porsche models, ‘345 BMG’ was authenticated in writing by Porsche in 2012 in the name of the well respected and renown Porsche specialist, Roger Bray, and in 2018 inspected and sourced by Mick Pacey from Export 56. It was then extensively restored by Marriott Coachworks over a four-year period using virtually all the original components.
Below is a breakdown of the restoration and parts.
Bodyshell:
During the restoration the only metal body panels that were replaced were the two floorpan sections, heater tubes and inner/outer sill sections. The remainder of the bodyshell was all panel beaten and re-lead loaded as it would have been from factory. Its original paint colour was excavated from beneath the grey paint applied by the factory to the dashboard to match the grey vinyl. This was then extensively examined and matched for a perfect representation of the original 509 Adria Blue.
Exterior trim:
The bumpers are all original and restored (polished aluminium) with new rubber inserts. The lights are all original with the exception of new glass lenses on the headlamps (original specification). The engine lid grille is original and restored as are all the badges. The number plates are restored originals and the glass is all original with the exception of a new front screen. The door handles are original and restored as is the bonnet grab handle. Amazingly also, the wipers are the original ones and have been restored but the plate light and rear reflectors have been replaced.
Interior:
The interior has been completely refurbished with new carpets and grey vinyl seats/door cards. All gauges and instruments have been fully rebuilt using all original parts and the mirrors, lights, handles, knobs etc. are all original as indeed is the steering wheel. New rear luggage straps have been fitted and the sun visors were replaced and have been beautifully made as per the originals.
Under bonnet:
Original date stamped 4/53 spare wheel, original 6V setup, original restored fuel tank, new replacement wheel strap.
Engine and mechanical:
The engine has been fully rebuilt from the cases and crank upwards using all new parts but keeping all the original casings. Cylinder liners have been replated to factory specifications. All screws and parts have been re-plated in the factory coatings. All factory decals have been applied to engine and ancillaries.
Gearbox:
Fully stripped down, rebuilt with all new seals and setup.
Wheels:
All original date stamped (4/53) wheel caps are original and restored. The suspension, brakes, linkages etcetera are all original but fully rebuilt using new bushes and the wiring loom is new, built to factory specifications and binding (RHC specific not modified).
