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 Gmünd, Austria, are known as Gmünd 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.