1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe Chassis no. 50279 Engine no. 66263 (see text)

1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe Coachwork by Reutter Chassis no. 50279 Engine no. 66263 (see text)
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine2 Solex Carburetors60bhp at 4,500rpm4-Speed Manual Transaxle4-Wheel Independent Suspension4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes*In current ownership for more than half a century *Desirable early production example of the legendary 356 finished in Azure Blue from new*Pure and clean design with distinguishing bend-windshield *Exceptional nut-and-bolt restoration performed in recent yearsTHE PORSCHE 356Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his independent automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356. The work of Ferry Porsche, the Type 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, Ferdinand, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminum-bodied cars built at the Gmünd, Austria-based old sawmill, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 Coupe at its old base in Stuttgart, at first in premises shared with coachbuilders Reutter and then from 1955 in its original factory at Zuffenhausen. In 1951 a works car finished first in class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with Le Sarthe.Constant development saw the 356's engine progressively enlarged, and in 1952 the original split windscreen was replaced by a one-piece bent screen and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the revised 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. These early 'Pre-A' Porsche 356 models are today considered some of the most collectible and rare Porsche cars ever produced and are admired for their pure and clean design. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED According to a copy of the original factory built sheet (Kadex) on file, this beautiful Porsche 356 Pre-A - chassis no. 50279 - was completed at the old Stuttgart-based Porsche works on March 10th, 1953, as the 179th of just 1,546 Coupes produced that year. The new 356 was finished in the striking exterior color of 'Azur Blau' (Azure Blue) and destined for the North American market where Max Hoffman Corp of New York is recorded as the selling dealer and importer. In addition to the rarity of this early Porsche, what is significant about 50279 is that it is offered today from 50 years of continuous ownership by a Northern California based Porsche enthusiast. The consignor purchased the car in 1972 from the Miranda Family in Petaluma, California who owned several early Porsches, including a 1955 Cabriolet and a 1957 Speedster. An engineer, the consignor would enjoy the pure, early 356 on the road the following decades, before storing it away with the vision of carrying out a full, nut-and-bolt restoration. This was then started in 2010 and finished in 2017. Capable of delicate work due to his profession, the consignor carried out the disassembly and assembly work of the comprehensive restoration, while specialist shops were retained for the component work. The engine and transaxle from a 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Coupe - an exact fit of course - was rebuilt with the transaxle done by pacific Throttle House of Seaside, California. A new oil cooler and clutch was fitted, while the flywheel was resurfaced. The fuel system gone through, with the carburetors rebuilt, fuel tank reconditioned, and fitment of new fuel lines. Underneath, the steering box was rebuilt, and new shocks, tie rods, wheels bearings, brakes shoes and cylinders were fitted. The Reutter body was stripped to bare metal, professionally painted in period correct Ivory, and refitted with all new rubber seals and gaskets, while the wheels were powder coated in body color to match. Chrome and brightwork was restored, and a new wiring harness fitted while starter, generator and distributor were rebuilt. North Hollywood Speedometer restored the lovely green-letter Veigel gauges, which are neatly flanked by the period dash-mounted Telefunken radio. Inside the cockpit a new Bordeaux Italian leather interior was professionally fitted, with color-matched German type square weave carpets featuring ribbed rubber mats and tunnel, and a new mapped cloth headliner installed. Period Marchal driving lights are mounted out front, and '79' is stamped in body panels indicating the car retains its original Reutter bodywork. Today this early Pre-A 'bend window' 356 looks stunning, and the attention to detail is magnificent throughout. Offered from 50-year devoted ownership, and a California-car for at least 75% of its life, this early Pre-A 356 Coupe beautifully demonstrates the pure and clean design of these early Porsche cars.