Description
The 356 was built in four distinct series, the original ("pre-A"), followed by the 356 A, 356 B, and finally the 356 C. To distinguish among the major revisions of the model, 356s are generally classified into a few major groups. The 356 coupés and "cabriolets" (soft-tops) built through 1955 are readily identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (centre-creased, 1953 to 1955) windscreens. In late 1955 the 356 A appeared, with a curved windshield.
From the earliest, 1, 100 cc Gmünd beginnings, the overall shape of the 356 remained more or less set. In 1951, 1, 300 and 1, 500 cc engines with considerably more power were introduced. In April 1952 the split windscreen was replaced by a slightly V-shaped, single windshield, which fit into the same shape opening. In 1953, the 1300 S or "Super" was introduced, and the 1, 100 cc engine was dropped.
In late-1954 Max Hoffman, the sole US importer of Porsches, convinced Porsche to build a stripped down roadster version with minimal equipment and a cut-down windscreen.
Towards the end of the original 356's time (in 1955, when the 356 A was about to be introduced) Hoffman, wanting a model name rather than just a number, got the factory to use the name "Continental" which was applied mostly to cars sold in the United States. Ford, makers of the Lincoln Continental, sued.[11] This name was used only in 1955 and today this version is especially valued. For 1956, the equivalent version was briefly sold as the "European".[11] Today all of the earliest Porsches are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, based on their design, reliability and sporting performance.
This Porsche 356 Pre A that we present here is a very original one with the right type of engine from that time, namely a 546 engine with 1500 CC and approximately 55 hp on board. Both date from 1953. This year the engine was overhauled and runs beautifully. We have the bill for this. Furthermore, everything has been done to make this Porsche completely roadworthy again because it drove the "Grand Premio Nuvolari" in September 2023 without any problems.
We also have the certificate of authenticity along with the English papers. After this, the car went to Germany where a valuation report was drawn up in 2017. The Porsche looks great and drives fantastic. It is now in the color "Aquamarinblau", which was a special color supplied by Porsche at the time. There are a few very small spots on the body that may need to be touched up. A perfect Pre A for the absolute enthusiast of open Porsches!
