Dr. Ferdinand Porsche’s first 356 really had no contemporaries for comparison; it was a "clean sheet of paper" in nearly every way. The public was yet to catch on that this would styling would set a new trend and that the basic layout of the 356 was to be the beginnings that would grow Porsche into the state-of-the-art car company it is today. When first debuted in 1948, the 356, then built in Gmund, Austria, was a largely unknown sports car from a small town that was still attempting to gain attention and sales. It was an unrefined, 1,100-cc flat four-cylinder powered split-windscreen coupe that personified simplicity and lightweight performance advantages.

By 1954, Max Hoffman was well-established as Porsche’s lone U.S. importer, the company was growing fast, and as a result changes were made. The “Pre-A” (as they would come to be later identified) examples lost the vee in the windshield and had a unassuming bent look, while the engine was now 1,500-cc with an ongoing and developing options list. While these cars eventually evolved into the 356A in 1955, the early cars still personify Porsche’s most extreme original design, and today are coveted amongst collectors as possibly the most pure examples.

This example, a 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe, Chassis # 52476 is a Ruetter bodied example built in August of 1954. According to its attending Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (POA) this particular car was delivered as viewed today; in Pearly Grey (Code 5407) over a Blue leatherette interior with Grey corduroy inserts. It is reported that the car spent years in the Northeast residing with a long term owner for 30-plus years in Connecticut before becoming a “barn-find” discovery in the early 1990s by a fellow Connecticut collector. Upon discovery in the early 1990s the nearly complete car was in need of total restoration.

The skills of well-known Porsche expert Peter Brittingham of Canaan, Connecticut were entrusted to complete a total nut-and-bolt restoration to show-quality standards. The restoration involved a total tear-down to the bare shell and rebuilt in every way. Each component is reported to have been touched and was either rebuilt, restored or obtained as new.

The original numbers matching engine had long disappeared as is common with these cars due to the weak magnesium engine casing used at the time. As such a potent type 616/1 motor from a 356B was built by Brittingham to provide ample power for the newly restored example. It was mated to a 356B transaxle and mechanically was tuned to be a performer. While deemed non-matching numbers, it was mechanically built to the highest possible standards and is very correct in appearance. The idea was always to cosmetically present it exactly as new; highly correct, but provide the driver with the performance of a 356B which is considerably more than that of a Pre-A; this method may be an ultimate combination in many ways.

Upon the completion of the restoration in the early 2000s the car was seldom used but regularly shown accumulating only 477 miles since completion. It was well-kept as part of a collection and serviced as needed over the years by the discriminating owner. Always thoughtful of it being an important part of Porsche history, the owner was careful to keep the car in a climate controlled setting. Today it shows extremely well as expected with minimal use and a lot of care since the completion of the restoration. The paint shows very well with no major blemishes noted. The gaps are consistent as expected and the chrome shows nicely as well. The original 16 Inch wheels unfortunately, like the engine, are long gone, but the 15 inch wheels will be sufficient in matching the subtle upgrade to that of the 356B powerplant. The interior is incredibly well presented with proper fit and finish throughout, including all of the right materials. From the headliner to the carpets, trim pieces and early items specific to these Pre-A’s, this example is totally complete with the interior presenting in a manner that is nothing short of show worthy. Under the front deck is a tidy storage area with a nicely presented set of tools, spare, jack and the correct early-style fuel tank.

This Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe is one to be reflected upon for any individual or collection steward looking to add a significant early variation of the 356 to their lineup. Show worthy, but also very capable as a tour car, this Bent Window 356 will provide the platform for fun, conversation, sharing and may become a quite worthwhile investment.