Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 52409
Engine No. 810239
The classification system for early "Pre-A" Porsche 356s can seem
bewildering at first, yet it is simply explained. The earliest
production Porsche 356 models, built of aluminum in Gm�nd, Austria,
are known as Gm�nd coupes. After production returned to Germany in
1950, the earliest of these now steel-bodied 356s continued to be
built retaining the original-style two-piece windshield and are
commonly known as "split window" 356s. Towards the start of the
1952 model year, Porsche updated the two-piece affair with a
Knickscheibe or "bent window" windshield for both the Coupe and
Convertible models, which remained until the emergence of 356 A
production in late 1955.
According to its Porsche issued Certificate of Authenticity, this
1954 356 Pre-A Knickscheibe Coupe was finished in Stuttgart,
Zuffenhausen on 10 September 1954. Finished in 5401 Black with a
Burgundy leatherette interior, this coupe was destined for the
U.S.-Market to be delivered through Max Hoffman's distributor.
While its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity lists no options, it
was, however, ordered with the largest capacity pushrod engine
available at the time, the 1,500 cc in "Normal" specification.
Today, this Pre-A Knickscheibe presents in well-restored condition
from renowned restorer Jeff Huber. It retains its original colors
of non-metallic Black over a Burgundy interior. Body-colored Black
steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and wide whitewall tires neatly
complete the picture of a very period-correct exterior. Gazing upon
the warm interior, those eagle-eyed Porsche enthusiasts may notice
the updated front seats feature leather seating material with
attractive black and red pepita-cloth inserts that pair quite well
with the oatmeal-colored square weave carpeting. The simple
body-color dashboard houses black-faced green-lettered VDO gauges
with accessory units to the left of the ivory steering wheel
reading both voltage and oil pressure. What is less stock about
this Knickscheibe is its engine and transmission. Providing
motivation is perhaps Porsche's most refined pushrod engine, a
1,600 cc originally fitted to a 356 SC. While the very tidy engine
compartment appears stock, the fully rebuilt engine with mostly new
parts including cylinder head castings, a forged crankshaft &
rotating assembly, an upgraded oil cooler, is fuel injected with
Zims EFI, and features a modern Bosch alternator, rather than a
stock generator, the welcome sign of a 12-volt electrical system.
Furthermore, the four-speed transmission has been upgraded as well,
with an "above-the-tunnel" shift rod neatly positioned between the
seats to a Type 644 transmission from a 356 A rebuilt with BBAB
Speedster specification gearing a cost of $8,000.
Under the consignor's care for the past 15 years, this restored
Pre-A is best described as a quiet "sports-purpose" 356, especially
with its front disc brakes and the addition of a front anti sway
bar. A subtle creation, its stock exterior and mildly updated
interior cloak a potent 1,600 cc engine and a transmission upgraded
in harmony to handle the additional power. This 1954 Porsche 356
Pre-A Knickscheibe, offered with a Porsche Classic toolkit and a
copy of its Certificate of Authenticity, is sure to capture the
attention of both purists and enthusiasts of sporting Porsches
alike.
