Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 135
1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupe Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 52257 Engine no. 32749 (see text)
Estimate: US$225,000 - US$275,000
Lot 135
1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupe
1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupe
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 52257
Engine no. 32749 (see text)
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 52257
Engine no. 32749 (see text)
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
*Offered with copy of Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
THE CAR OFFERED
Indeed, no Porsche collection can be truly complete without one of these groundbreaking models which started it all. According to the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity of file, this 356 Pre-A, chassis no. 52257, was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works during the summer of 1954 as 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, no. 32749, is fitted. It is of identical specification and only 429 units earlier than the original. It is considered a period correct replacement 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", which typically meant it was used for testing and executive transportation. The sunroof option is not listed on any factory documentation, but as the sunroof became an official factory offering during late 1954 production, it is plausible 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.
The previous caretaker of this early Pre-A Porsche discovered it in sound condition, and commissioned a full restoration, which was completed by Jeff Huber of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Huber Restorations, returning the rare, early Porsche 356 to its former glory, with an authentic Derby Red paintjob gracing the clean Reutter bodywork and the interior trimmed in Rosanil red leather. Tan German type square weave carpets were fitted and color-coded 16" wheels mounted with white wall tires. The doors, front and rear decklid are stamped '41', indicating they may have been fitted from a donor car. 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 is a beautiful example inside and out and would surely be welcomed to many Porsche events or Concours d'Elegance. Offered with a tool kit and documentation, this Pre-A 356 Sunroof Coupe beautifully demonstrates the pure and clean design of these early Porsche cars.
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