Description
This is lot number 123 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
One of only 394 Cabriolets built for 1953
Rare 1500 Super version
Matching numbers engine and chassis
Professionally restored some time ago
US title with EU taxes paid
The work of Ferry Porsche, the 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father. Like the immortal 'Beetle', the 356 employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and torsion bar all-independent suspension, yet somehow contrived to offer level of performance that belied the basic layout's humble origins. 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, a Porsche synchromesh gearbox was adopted and the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; the latter was still V-shaped, gaining the sobriquet Knickscheibe (bent window) as a result. 1955 marked the arrival of the revised 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels.
Completed on 21st July 1953 and finished in Azure Blue with grey leather interior, the car we offer is one of approximately 567 Super-engined 356s built for the 1953 model year (both coupé and cabriolet) and is likely to be one of only a handful of original 1500 Super Cabriolets to survive.
The file accompanying the car allows us to trace back to the earliest known owners, starting with Paul and Kathy Wesselinke in California from 1998, during whose ownership an extensive restoration was carried out (with some invoices, notes, and photographs on file). The Porsche was subsequently owned by Michael Madeiros Todd in 2003 and remained in the USA. That same year, it was sold to Trevor Keetley, who imported it into Australia in 2005. A new overhaul was undertaken at around this time. The current owner purchased it in 2016 and has since kept it mainly on static display in good storage conditions.
The photocopy of the Certificate of Authenticity issued by Porsche Cars North America Inc. in 1998 confirms that the engine numbers are matching. The other documents accompanying the car include photocopies of the 2003 US title, of the Australian importation invoice and of various notes, invoices, and photographs mentioned earlier in the text.
This rare 356 'Pre-A' 1500 Super Knickscheibe Cabriolet, featuring matching numbers on engine and chassis and presented in lovely condition after its older restoration that is holding up very well, is a truly exceptional find to acquire.
