1955 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe Pre-A
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1955
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356
- VIN: 5369
- Mileage: 7,737km (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Adria Blue Metallic
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Oakville, ON L6J 3H4
- Lot #: V-0037997-DT
Marking the final year of the early Pre-A model, this 1955 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe was completed at the factory on June 8th, 1955 for the German home market. It came finished in Adria Blue Metallic and was first used as a “Vorführingswagen”, or demonstration car, before being sold to Her Karl Clauser of Ulm, Germany. The car eventually moved with its original owner to California and remained in his possession up until 2004 when it was imported back to Europe through Antwerp. This 356 was road-registered in Belgium in 2007 and underwent a complete bare-metal rotisserie restoration which was completed around 2017. Recognized in the Mille Miglia Registro and accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, FIVA papers, and historic documentation from the original owner, this numbers-matching Pre-A 356 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Canada.
This Pre-A model can be distinguished from the later 356A by its uniquely bent single-piece windscreen. Other details include body-colored bumpers, individual beehive-style taillights, chrome horn grilles, a chrome Porsche-crested trunk lid handle, a polished driver’s side mirror, dual tailpipes, and 15” slotted wheels with chrome hubcaps. During the restoration, this 356 was stripped to bare metal and professionally refinished in its rare original color of Adria Blue Metallic (5410) along with replacements of all rubber seals and gaskets. The chrome brightwork was restored and the original date-stamped wheels were painted to match the car’s exterior. A matching spare wheel is also secured by a leather strap in the trunk. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, this 356 features a new interior with grey leatherette upholstery, matching German square-weave carpeting, and a new cloth headliner. Accessories include a body-colored dash fascia, chrome door handles and window cranks, a grey two-spoke steering wheel, pop-out rear quarter windows, black rubber floor mats, a dashboard-mounted loudspeaker, and analog VDO gauges with green markings. All gauges and accessories are said to be working properly.
This 356 carries its original 1,488cc Type 546/2 flat-four engine featuring twin Solex carburetors. Up to 55 HP is sent to the rear wheels by way of a numbers-matching 4-speed Type 519 manual transmission. The seller indicates a full mechanical overhaul was carried out during the car’s restoration including a rebuilt engine, starter, generator, and distributor.
This sale will include a collection of documentation, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a spare tire, a car cover, and a clean title.
This seller would like you to know: “This is a super rare and complete car. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a complete Pre-A with extensive background and documentation in one of the best and rarest colors ever made.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $185,000
- Auction End: Jan 02, 2024 06:44:42PM UTC
- Number of Offers: 2
Comments (24)
Sold for $185,000
Offer in the amount of $175,356
Offer in the amount of $162,500
@hotrob356 The car comes competent with radio.
Bid in the amount of $125,356
@nzamani
There are many transport companies and brokers that handle import export of vehicle.
@nzamani Most cars this old are pretty much exempt from regulations. Always wise to talk to a customs broker.
what are the steps to getting this car in the US? is there any modification changes that need to occur, or due to its years its exempt?
thanks
Does the car come with the pictured telefunken Radio? Also I know it’s late, but any chance of a pic of the coi?
Bid in the amount of $120,356
@scalemotorsports, the Rennbow website is a fascinating resource for Porsche- and color- enthusiasts alike.
John
@jjeffries thanks for that reference, three thumbs up!
I think the color is fabulous. I don’t think anyone’s included a link to Rennbow yet, so here goes:
https://www.rennbow.org/porsche-colors/AdriaBlue
Well, I studied the photo portfolio further and while the "metallic" paint might first poke one in the eye, I must admit it does appear to be a rather strong, successful statement that grows on me. I'm still not sure its appropriate, but what the hell do I know. Overall this makes for one striking Pre-A Coup and I bet its quite spectacular in person.
@millstoneman agreed, the car overall is quite fabulous but that metallic blue just doesn't fit, sorry
I like the simple lines of these early Porsches. Unfortunately, I so dislike metallic paint, and this hue of blue. Just my personal opinion. Despite the color and metallic paint, it's a pretty car. Is it just me, or does anyone else dislike metallic paint of any color on a vintage car?
Can you respond to my question I sent you.
Thanks
@epicmc
Yes the car is 100% numbers matching and original. Entire engine and transmission were rebuilt and refreshed during the restoration. Engine and transmission are running perfectly. Barely broken in.
Very nice 356! Are the engine and transmission original to the car? Thank you
@ JohnBlackyoldtimer
Engine and transmission were rebuilt same time as the car. Runs perfect and compression is strong. Transmission is perfect and runs smooth. No issues mechanically with the car.
Bid in the amount of $100,356
Beautiful 356. Can you tell us something about the engine overhaul, such as a compression measurement, what was renewed and in the driving video you can see that the steering gear is a bit weak. is that so?
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Wow, Adria non metallic is my number one favorite color then Adria metallic & Gulf Blue. Car appears stunning, but why do I see what appears to be loose fitting seat covers? Would the engine bay have the quilter style liner? Should the coil be angled about 30 degrees? Can you confirm the distributor is correct? It looks like a newer version. I typically see the round fender mirror style, is your's correct? I ask questions because I want to express that I am not certain, and in 55 there may have been more than one plant producing cars. Some additional pics of the engine and underside would be very helpful. GLWTS I'll be watching