Vehicle Description
Porsche's rise from a small postwar sports car manufacturer to a
dominant force in motorsport was nothing short of meteoric. By the
early 1950s, the company had firmly established itself as a builder
of lightweight, precision-engineered sports cars with an
unmistakable identity. The Porsche 356, introduced in 1948, was the
foundation of this success-a nimble, beautifully crafted machine
that combined German engineering excellence with an intuitive
driving experience. Built in modest numbers at first, the 356
quickly gained recognition among enthusiasts and racers alike, and
its competition pedigree was cemented when a Gm�nd-built
aluminum-bodied 356 SL secured Porsche's first-class victory at the
24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951. The 1953 model year marked a pivotal
moment in the evolution of the 356, bringing refinements that
further enhanced its performance and usability. Most notably, 1953
was the first year Porsche replaced the split windshield with a
single piece, curved "bent" windshield, giving the car a cleaner,
more modern appearance. Mechanically, the introduction of the Type
519 synchronized gearbox significantly improved drivability,
allowing for smoother and more precise gear changes. It was also
the year Porsche first applied its now-iconic crest to the steering
wheel-a small but significant touch that symbolized the brand's
growing confidence and prestige. With its elegant yet purposeful
styling, race-proven engineering, and continuous refinement, the
1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe represents an important chapter in the
marque's history. These early 356 models exemplify the purity of
Porsche's design philosophy, embodying the lightweight
construction, balanced handling, and understated sophistication
that would define the brand for generations to come.According to a
copy of the Porsche build sheet on file, this Porsche 356 Pre-A,
chassis no. 50279, was completed at Porsche's Stuttgart works on
March 10, 1953. As the 179th of just 1,546 Coupes built that year,
it left the factory finished in the elegant shade of Azur Blau
(Azure Blue) and was destined for the North American market. The
legendary Max Hoffman Corp. of New York, Porsche's exclusive U.S.
distributor, handled its initial sale, introducing this early 356
to a growing contingent of American sports car enthusiasts. The
car's known history begins in 1972, when it was acquired from the
Miranda family of Petaluma, California-enthusiasts in their own
right, with several early Porsches in their stable, including a
1955 Cabriolet and a 1957 Speedster. Enjoyed on the road for
decades, the 356 was eventually tucked away with the intent of
undergoing a comprehensive restoration. That vision came to
fruition in 2010, when the owner-a meticulous engineer-embarked on
a full nut-and-bolt restoration. While he personally undertook the
delicate process of disassembly and final assembly, specialized
shops were entrusted with the restoration of key components. In
2022 the owner parted ways with the 356, after fifty years of
steadfast ownership. The Coupe then passed into the hands of its
most recent custodian, another dedicated Porsche enthusiast.The
car's drivetrain consists of a 1600cc engine and transaxle from a
1957 Porsche 356A Coupe, rebuilt to factory specifications and
fitting perfectly to the chassis. The transaxle received a full
overhaul by Pacific Throttle House in Seaside, California, and new
components were fitted throughout, including an oil cooler, clutch,
and resurfaced flywheel. The fuel system was comprehensively
refurbished with rebuilt carburetors, a reconditioned fuel tank,
and new fuel lines, while the steering box was rebuilt and
complemented by fresh shocks, tie rods, wheel bearings, and brake
components. The body, stamped with the number '79' in several
locations, confirming its original Reutter coachwork, was stripped
to bare metal and professionally refinished in period-correct
Ivory. Powder-coated wheels in body color complete the period look,
while restored chrome, brightwork, and all-new rubber seals and
gaskets provide a factory-fresh appearance. Electrical systems were
thoroughly renewed, including a new wiring harness, a rebuilt
starter, generator, and distributor, and fully restored
green-letter Veigel gauges by North Hollywood Speedometer. The
period dash-mounted Telefunken radio adds an authentic touch.
Inside, the cockpit is beautifully finished with professionally
trimmed Bordeaux Italian leather, complemented by color-matched
German square weave carpets with ribbed rubber mats. A new napped
cloth headliner was installed, preserving the elegant simplicity of
the original design. Up front, period Marchal driving lights lend a
sporting touch to the car's understated presence. Most recently,
the Bent Window was fitted with new proper 5:60-15 Firestone
tires.With its exquisite restoration, history, and half a century
of dedicated ownership, this 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe is a
magnificent representation of Porsche's earliest production cars. A
lifelong California resident for most of its existence, this rare
and beautifully presented "bent window" 356 is a testament to the
clean, unadorned aesthetic and engineering purity that defined the
Porsche legacy from its inception.Offers welcome, trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7862-1953-porsche-356-pre-a-bent-window-coupe/
