1952 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe, Pre A

CAR  HIGHLIGHTS 

• Beautiful Early Reutter Coachwork
• Documented with Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
• First Year of Synchromesh Gearbox and Bent-Window Design

?TECHNICAL SPECS

• 1,488 CC Type 546 Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
• Dual Solex 32 PBI Carburetors
• 55 BHP at 4,400 RPM
• 4-Speed Synchromesh Manual Gearbox
• 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
• Independent Front Suspension with Trailing Arms and Telescopic Shock Absorbers
• Swing-Axle Rear Suspension with Torsion Bars and Telescopic Shock Absorbers

64 bhp (SAE), 55 bhp (DIN), 1,488 cc Type 546-2 air-cooled, horizontally opposed OHV four-cylinder engine, twin Solex 32 PBI carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox in rear transaxle, independent front and rear suspension with parallel trailing arms and transverse laminated torsion bar front, swing axles with transverse torsion bars rear, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7"

From the 1949 Gmund-built coupes to today’s 911 Carreras, one brilliant exterior shape has consistently defined Porsche, and this Reutter-bodies 356 Pre-A offers a sensational take on one of the form’s earliest developments.  According to a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 356 was completed on August 30, 1952, and the Kardex indicates that the car was sold through Auguste Veuillet’s Sonauto, the first official Porsche dealer in Paris.  On Sep. 20, 1958, the engine was replaced at the Fleischhauer dealership with the factory-issued KD-coded motor, although the Porsche’s current 1500 KD was likely installed at some later point.

In addition to featuring the more powerful 1,488 cc engine, this 356 was originally fitted with a number of components new to the 1952 model year, most notably a synchromesh gearbox and a bent, one-piece windscreen that replaced the prior split-pane arrangement.  Finished at the factory in Fashion Grey Paint, chassis no. 11742 is believed to be one of very few early Porsches imported to Mexico.

Discovered in a garage in Mexico City in 2005, this 356 was purchased by a well known Volkswagen dealer who embarked on a six-year process of research and restoration.  The motor was inspected and discovered to be an authentic type 546 engine produced in 1953.  Cosmetically, the exterior was refinished in Auratium Green, one of Porsche’s factory original special color options, which looks particularly handsome on the early Reutter coachwork.

The Veigel gauges were reconditioned and a correct Telefunken radio and Hirschmann antenna were sourced and installed, while proper leather upholstery and square-weave carpets ordered from Germany rounded out the interior refurbishments.  The opportunity was also taken to upgrade the electrical system 12-volt current, ensuring more reliable power during low-idle and start-up conditions.

Still featuring its original stamped body panels and factory components, such as the Petri steering wheel, securit-watermarked glass, Hella taillights and Bosch headlamps, this beautiful 356 Pre-A is accompanied by the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity  and Kardex, owner’s manuals, a tool kit, restoration photos, and a custom fitted car cover.  11742 offers an irresistible opportunity to experience the driving characteristics that made the 356 such an international hit and benefits from Reutter’s elegant early coachwork, abounding in gentle curves and clean lines.  This 356 promises driving enjoyment on tours or at Porsche club meets and concourse, where its rarity and authenticity will surely draw a crowd.