Description
Oldtimer Australia is pleased to offer for sale this rare 1952 Porsche 356 Pre-A ‘Bent Window’ (Knickscheibe) Coupe.
Of all the Porsche 356 variants produced, the early Pre-A models are by far the rarest, with a total production of approximately 9, 100 cars. To put this into perspective, Porsche subsequently produced 20, 541 examples of the 356 A, 31, 811 of the 356 B and 16, 511 of the 356 C.
Documentation on file from Porsche confirms that this is a 1952 model year car, completed on 4 June 1952. It was subsequently delivered new through renowned Porsche dealer Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York, USA, on the 4th December 1952.
According to the Porsche production records, the car was originally finished in Fish Silver Grey (colour code 505) with a leatherette interior, although the interior colour was not recorded.
The car was delivered with a desirable selection of factory options, including a Telefunken radio and antenna, chrome bumper overriders and a ‘Schlafsitz’ (reclining seat).
When new, the car would have been fitted with a 1, 500cc engine.
The car on offer is one of the very early ‘Bent Window’ examples with the integrated front bumpers, produced for only a short period between April and October 1952. From October 1952, Porsche revised the design and the bumpers were no longer integrated into the bodywork, making these early cars particularly distinctive and highly sought after today.
Unfortunately, little is known about the early history of this car. The car found its way to California at some stage and we do have confirmation that by 1979 it was registered there as 016 UCX. The original California licence plate from 1979 (blue plate 016 UCX) is with the car. It was subsequently registered in California as 1QKK691.
In November 2000, the car was offered for sale by Porsche 356 specialists European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, USA.
The car subsequently found its way to Belgium, where it was partially restored by its then owner with the assistance of a friend. A sticker retained in the history file suggests that the car participated in the 1st Kortrijkse Kocon Historic Rally, held on 30 June 2002.
Around 2007, the car was sold to its second Belgian owner, Mr Thirion of Antwerp. A Belgian registration document in his name is retained on file, together with period photographs showing the car carrying Belgian registration OAH 850.
Mr Thirion’s ownership was relatively brief and the car subsequently found its way to the UK through Antwerp based classic car dealer Beerens Classic Division. It is understood that, by this time, the car had been fitted with a Volkswagen engine.
The Porsche was sold to its current owner in December 2009 through renowned Porsche 356 specialists Export 56, based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
The car was then shipped to Australia aboard the MSC Brianna’’, arriving in Melbourne in May 2010. There is a copy of the Australian Import Approval on file. dated the 11th February 2010.
Following its arrival in Australia, the car was entrusted to Rob Foers of 356 Works in Melbourne to source and install a period correct Porsche 356 engine. Foers subsequently sourced a 1, 300cc engine from a 1951 Porsche 356 Pre-A, which was installed in the car along with other necessary work.
The current owner is Adelaide based and in addition to 356 Works he has utilised the services of Classic & Customs in Willunga, South Australia to look after his car.
Today, this Porsche 356 Pre-A ‘Bent Window’ Coupe is best described as a presentable driver quality example. The car has essentially been in static storage over the last few years and it will require some fettling to be a reliable and usable classic. Once sorted, this car can certainly be used and enjoyed as it is, though there are areas that would benefit from further attention should its next owner wish to take the car to the next level.
At the time of photographing, the odometer read 10, 831 miles.
When you first walk up to this car, and as you can see in the photos, the car presents well. However, upon closer inspection you will notice that there are defects in the paint. The car has been repainted at some stage and the paint is starting to show its age. Whilst there are defects on most panels, the most noticeable issues are the bottoms of both doors where some corrosion is starting to come through. There are also a few spots around both headlights.
The panel gaps are generally good, with the exception of the passenger’s door, which requires some adjustment to further improve its fit.
The wheels present very well and are free from any obvious kerb rash or damage. While Pre-A 356s were originally fitted with 16-inch wheels, this car has been fitted with 15-inch wheels, a popular period-style modification that many owners favour for improved handling and greater tyre choice.
The wheels are shod with Michelin XZX 165R15 tyres, date stamped 2921 (week 29 of 2021), which remain in very good condition. The hubcaps also present well and nicely complement the overall appearance of the car.
The exterior trim on a Pre-A 356 is wonderfully minimalistic, which is very much part of the charm and character of these early cars. The window trims are generally in a good condition, though they present with some light pitting, consistent with age. It should be noted that the trim strips along the top of the doors show some minor discolouration.
All the lights and lenses are in very good condition. The same can be said for the glass. It presents well with no evidence of any cracks or any pitting.
Inside, the interior presents very well and has all the wonderful simplicity and character that makes an early Pre-A 356 so appealing. The contrasting red upholstery really suits the car and presents well throughout. The front seats show some light creasing consistent with use and age, but importantly there is no sign of any tears or cracks. They remain supportive and surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats appear to have seen very little use and are in particularly good condition.
The beautifully simple body coloured dashboard is another highlight of the interior and presents very well. The period style instruments are clean and clearly presented, while the large clock prominently positioned in the centre of the dashboard is a wonderful feature and adds enormously to the period ambience.
An aftermarket wood rimmed steering wheel adds a sporting touch and works particularly well with the red upholstery and minimalist dashboard. The carpets and door trims also present well, completing what is a very attractive and inviting cabin.
There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about the interior of these very early Porsche 356s. Everything is functional and purposeful, yet beautifully detailed, and this car’s cabin has retained plenty of that unmistakable early Porsche charm.
Under the front bonnet, everything is clean and tidy throughout. The fuel tank, which is prominently positioned at the rear of the compartment, retains its holding down straps while the spare wheel is neatly stowed at the front along with a jack.
Under the rear bonnet sits the period correct 1, 300cc Porsche 356 Pre-A engine. The engine bay is also clean and tidy and presents well, with the simplicity of the early Porsche mechanical layout very much on display.
To start the 356, first turn on the battery isolator switch, which is discreetly located underneath the dashboard. Insert the key into the ignition on the left-hand side of the steering wheel and then press the starter button located to the right.
The 1, 300cc engine fires readily and settles into a smooth idle from the get go.
Out on the road, the car drives well, though it is evident that it would benefit from more regular use and some fettling. There’s no doubt that the longer we drove the car the better it got.
The gearbox linkage has recently been adjusted and is much improved, although selecting first gear and changing into second can require a little care when the car is cold. Once everything has warmed through, the gear change improves.
The brakes would also benefit from some adjustment as the car currently has a tendency to pull slightly to the right under braking.
Despite its relatively modest 1, 300cc capacity, the engine performs surprisingly well. There is ample power to keep pace with modern traffic and, once on the move, this early 356 is lively and thoroughly enjoyable car to drive.
There is a charming simplicity to the way this car drives that makes even a short journey feel like a special occasion.
With some mechanical fettling, this rare and highly collectible very early Porsche 356 Pre-A ‘Bent Window’ Coupe can be reliably used and enjoyed as is. Alternatively, there is the opportunity for the astute Porsche collector to take this car to the next level.
Accompanying the car is a reasonable history file, a spare wheel and a jack.
Highlights:
- Rare and collectable example of an early ‘Bent Window’ Pre-A 356.
- One of the desirable early cars featuring the distinctive integrated bumpers.
- Presented in its original and desirable colour.
- Use and enjoy as is or take to the next level.
Price AUD $249, 950.
Background
The Porsche story is a fascinating one and its roots go back to the 1930’s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen and also Auto Union race cars. By 1939 he had built three Porsche cars to compete in the 800-mile race from Berlin to Rome. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to the war and Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, however, he had always wanted to build his own cars. In 1944 Porsche was forced to leave Stuttgart and he set up a small operation in Gmünd, Austria. Soon after the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and sent to jail. Ferdinand Porsche’s son. Ferdinand junior, or ‘Ferry’ as he was known, was released six months later and he returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company. Things moved quickly and Porsche was involved with cars again and in mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. It is understood Porsche built some 50 aluminium bodied cars by hand in their small factory at Gmünd before relocating back to Stuttgart, Germany in 1949.
Instead of building the body of the car himself Porsche decided to collaborate with an old partner, the body manufacturing company Reutter who had both the expertise and infrastructure to mass produce the bodies for the 356 coupe and cabriolet.
Today, the earliest series of the Porsche 356, produced from 1948 through to 1955, is collectively known as the 356 Pre-A cars. Pre-A production can broadly be divided into two distinct groups. Cars built from 1948 until early 1952 are commonly referred to as ‘Split Window’ models, while those produced from April 1952 through to 1955 are known as ‘Bent Window’ models.
In 1955 the 356 A was introduced. With the introduction of the 356 A the windscreen changed from its bent shape to a curved shape. The internal factory designation for this model was ‘Type 1’ which was quickly adapted by enthusiasts who referred to the 356 A as the ‘T1’. The 356 A became available as a coupe, cabriolet and a Speedster. Buyers had the choice between a 1, 300cc and a 1, 600cc engine and later the Super version.
A second revision of the 356 A was introduced early in 1957. It became known as the ‘Type 2’ (or T2). Late 1958 the Speedster was replaced by the Convertible D which was now build by coachbuilder Drauz. In late 1959 the 356 A was replaced by the 356 B. The 356 B was available as a coupe, cabriolet and roadster, with each body style available with a number of different engine options.
The last revision of the 356 was the 356 C introduced for the 1964 model year.
The 356 remained in production through until 1965 and evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built.
