Seller's Description
In March of 1952 Porsche worked in conjunction with Reuter to simplify production of the 356 and made several changes including a one-piece, bent windscreen and more significant bumpers which suited the American market. During the four year period, leading up to the 356A, the 'Pre-A' Coupé was constantly upgraded and included significantly a synchromesh gearbox in 1953.
1952 cars also features ventilated disc wheels and optional trim rings that were common on export models. The car also received fully integrated front and rear aprons that extended below the bumpers. The bumpers themselves were enlarged with large guards and featured rubber strips. Small changes in the interior included a new 6000 rpm rev counter which replaced the clock, smaller gauge bezels, and relocated turn switch from the dashboard to the steering column.
The 1500 was Porsche's newest engine and was fitted with 40 PIBC Solex carburettors to produce 60bhp @ 5000 rpm in 1952. These retained the Hirth roller-bearing crankshafts which gave Porsche enough clearance to enlarge their engine to 1500cc. Most cars from 1952 until the 356A of 1956 were powered by the 1500 engine but some left the factory with the smaller 1.1 and 1.3-liter engines. At the time this Porsche was priced above the Jaguar XK120 and positioned itself as a sports-luxury model with reclining seats, Telefunken radio and an excellent level of trim by Karosserie Reuter. The Porsche brand too was growing in its notoriety and by May of 1952 Porsche were also heavily invested in a race-ready version of the 1500 known as the Type 528, the first versions of which were tried in aluminium Gmund coupes at the 1952 Mille Miglia.
This beautiful Pre-A Coupe was delivered in July 1953 by the dealer Eduard Winter to Professor Willi Schmidt a very well-known theatre director and TV and Film Director and Writer from Berlin. The car was collected from the dealer on the 29th of July 1953 by Professor Schmidt who would keep the car until his passing away when the car would pass to his Son.
The cars wonderful history file includes the original signed invoice from 1953, the original completed service book which shows details of every service through until 1964 when the book was full. There is also a mileage and maintenance log which was fastidiously kept up by Prof Schmidt and then by his son and some wonderful pictures of Willi Schmidt with his beloved Porsche. The car would remain in Professor Schmidt's son's ownership until 2006 when this truly unique vehicle was brought to the UK.
Since 2006 the car has been overhauled by a leading early Porsche specialists including a repaint to the cars original and current "Adriablau". As part of the process the engine was rebuilt and the car was carefully treated to ensure no corrosion was present.
Today the car is presented in a "needs nothing" condition but remarkably still retains a level of patina and character which sets this example apart from so many others. This charming 356's two owner provenance is arguable unmatched, having covered a substantiated 108,000 kms from new. Presented in very good order and in its original colour combination with two owners, (the first family having owned the car for a phenomenal 51 years!) this wonderful and quite unique 356 is as fit for a museum as it is for regular use. (Please note any original parts not currently fitted to the car accompany it).
Contact dealer for more details via Classic Driver
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