Lot 263: 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super

The 356 was the last design to bear the personal imprint of the great Professor Porsche, and endowed with worldwide fame the firm which bears his name. From experimental beginnings in the 1940's which used very largely components from his groundbreakingPre-war KdF Volkswagen design, the model evolved by the early 50's into a very sophisticated, beautifully-made aerodynamic coupe. The Professor, operating from first engineering principles, believed strongly in the importance of traction, enhanced by mounting the engine over the rear wheels, and the use of the lightest possible materials compatible with strength and durability. As with almost everyManufacturer of the era, the cars were built with a close eye on the American market, virtually the only one available in the post-war decade for expensive if beautifully-made sports cars, and though the first few years inevitably saw production of some hundreds of closed coupes, what was really wanted was a convertible version. We are please to offer today a very rare engined variant of the Porsche 356, known as the 'Pre-A' Type, being the first version fitted with a one-piece 'eve's' windscreen rather than the fairly ungainly two panel split type of the prototype cars. Almost all of the 1500cc 'Pre A' Type Porsche 356's were delivered new with the Type 546 engine which produced 55 bhp. For an additional 1100 Deutch Marks it was possible to specify the competition Type 528 engine that boasted Furhmann Cams and Hirth valves putting out a healthy 70 bhp. A Porsche press release at the time stated "Only for drivers wishing to take part in competition, the specially tuned type 528 engine is available upon special order only." Chassis 52202 was sold first in the U.S.A before being imported to Italy requiring restoration. During this work the original paint was revealed, a special order "Adriatic Blue Metallic". Absolutely every component on the car, engine, drive train, bodywork, suspension, exterior chrome and detailing, interior fixtures and fitting have been restored or replaced over a period of 3 years bringing the car to the concours condition in which you see it presented today. The freshly rebuilt engine is still running in at 700 kms. This car is eligible for a plethora of events including the Mille Miglia and Tour Auto and is accompanied by a photographic record of the restoration and Italian registration papers. A more stunning example of this rare Pre-A 1500 super would be hard to find indeed.Presque tous les composants de cette voiture furent restaurés ou remplacés durant une période de trois ans rendant cette voiture dans la condition dans laquelle elle se trouve aujourd'hui. Cette voiture est éligible pour de nombreux événements de course comme Mile Miglia et le Tour Auto. Elle est mise en vente avec ses papiers d'immatriculation Italiens, ses papiers et photographies de restauration.