Vehicle Description
1952 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe
• VIN 11936
• One of 958 Pre-A Coupes built in 1952
• Original color Fish Grey
Very rare, early, 356 Pre-A, single-family ownership for over 36
years. This is a very complete bent-window coupe needing a full
cosmetic and mechanical restoration. The exterior is complete
including, decks, doors, bumpers, badging, glass, and four (4)
3.25" x 16" wheels. The decks and doors are original and retain the
"36" number stampings. The interior features original seats trimmed
in blue leatherette with matching corduroy inserts, a VDM steering
wheel, and factory instrumentation. The undercarriage remains
exceptionally straight with a replaced battery box and
longitudinals.
On January 23, 1957, Richard H. Gaylord purchased one 1952 Porsche
356 Coupe for $2,229.92 from Manhattan Auto, Inc. in Fairfax,
Virginia. Mr. Gaylord drove his 356 until the late 1960s before it
was stored in his garage for nearly two decades. Photo
documentation dated April of 1991 showcases the Pre-A in a
project-like state just before Mr. Gaylord elected to begin a full
restoration. Multiple pages of research and notes were taken by Mr.
Gaylord to understand all the crucial elements that would
eventually need attention during the restoration. Unfortunately,
the task was too difficult to accomplish, and it was eventually
sold to another enthusiast who carried the same ambition of
completing a full restoration.
Mechanically, the driveline will need to be rebuilt and is powered
flat-four engine paired to a 4-speed manual transmission and
four-wheel drum braking system. Complete with the purchase invoice
from 1957, Certificate of Authenticity, Kardex, jack, and spare
tire. Originally finished in a stunning color combination of Fish
Grey over Navy, this "bent-window" 356 Pre-A would make an ideal
candidate for a concours restoration.
*Note this vehicle was built in 1952 and is titled as a 1953
Specification:
• 1,498cc DOHC Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
• Dual-throat Weber Carburetors
• 4-Speed Manual Transaxle
• 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
• 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
History
Simple, clean, elegant, and understated: that would describe the
aerodynamic little Porsche 356 Coupe of the early to mid-1950s.
While still utilizing some parts and design concepts originally
created for the humble Volkswagen Beetle, by 1953 the 356 was
showing clear signs of the steady development and evolution
demanded by Porsche's designers and engineers. The new model was
undergoing almost constant improvement as the factory strove to
simplify the manufacturing process for these largely hand-built
automobiles.
