Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 53944
Engine No. 741849
Transmission No. 6603H3
Spare Engine No. 41057
The Kardex warranty card for this 1955 Porsche 356 "Pre-A" Coupe
reveals that it was originally finished in Adriablau (Adria Blue
Metallic) over a Grey-upholstered interior-a subtle yet uncommon
color combination that suited the earliest 356 silhouette with
aplomb. Factory fitted options included a large dashboard-fitted
clock and a turn signal light indicator. Furthermore, the document
records that the Pre-A was ordered through Hahn Porsche-just down
the road from Zuffenhausen-with the Type 546/2 1,500-cc flat-four,
the largest displacement pushrod engine available at the time.
Delivered on 30 July 1955 to a Herrn W�rner in Stuttgart, the Coupe
that embodied Porsche's period slogan "Years ahead in engineering,
miles ahead on the road" with its efficient engine, synchromesh
four-speed transmission, torsion bar suspension, and light-metal
brakes later traversed the Atlantic and found its way to San Diego,
California, where it was discovered by Porsche Tucson in 2022.
Porsche Tucson brought the rare 356 to their Porsche Center, where
47-year Porsche Master Technician Jim Guthrie and his team at
Porsche Tucson Classics enacted a number of restorative efforts to
the Pre-A-then wearing dark blue paintwork reminiscent of
period-correct Azure Blue. Prior to their acquisition the interior
was upholstered in grey leather by the highly respected Autobahn
Interiors in San Diego, California. While the car is currently
fitted with a larger displacement flat-four originally installed in
a 1965 912 it is also offered with a spare Type 528/2 1,500-cc
Super engine, serial number 41057. The additional engine is noted
to turn freely with compression, offering the successful bidder a
tantalizing opportunity to return the car closer to its original
specification if they choose to do so.
After a thorough Porsche Tucson Classics inspection, Guthrie's team
focused their restorative efforts on the 356's driving enjoyment.
The matching numbers four-speed transmission was removed and
received fresh mounts and a new clutch. The suspension was upgraded
with new front and rear Koni Classic shock absorbers, new rear
trailing arm bushings, and a fresh set of 165-15 blackwall tires.
The exterior of the car received a color correction, new turn
signal lenses, a seal and rubber trim replacement kit, exhaust
tips, and more. A sum of the work invested in the 356 Coupe by
Porsche Tucson invoiced at dealer cost totaled $17,700 by June
2022.
A Pre-A 356 is perhaps the purest expression of the original
Porsche concept-light weight, purposeful design, and engineering
excellence. Add to that a windswept Coupe body of undeniable beauty
and the largest displacement flat-four available when new, chassis
number 53944 offers enthusiasts a highly collectible Porsche and
one of the earliest and most coveted Porsche driving
experiences.
