From the very beginning, Porsches enjoyed steady technical improvement, both mechanically and cosmetically. For 1953, a variety of engines were offered, ranging from 40 hp to 70; the most common was the 55-hp, 1500 “Normal” engine that proved perfectly adequate for everyday motoring. The previous year’s “split-windshield” design gave way to a one-piece, “bent” screen, and there were numerous other improvements, including a fully synchronized manual transaxle.

This little Porsche 356 Cabriolet is a desirable split-windshield Reutter convertible produced for model year 1953. Cabriolets were very luxurious and well-finished automobiles. Most were fitted with comfortable leather interiors, and their carefully engineered folding tops were well padded with thick insulating material to provide a quiet passenger compartment.

The cabriolet has been nicely restored to its original Light Ivory (R504) over red leather with a black canvas folding top and boot. There are oatmeal carpets and the engine compartment is trimmed in vinyl, a feature used to help reduce engine noise. Its Certificate of Authenticity shows that it was ordered with U.S. equipment, offering sealed-beam headlamps and a speedometer reading in mph. A Bosch heater was also specified, along with a radio installation kit and additional rear backrest trim. The car wears a correct set of 16-in. steel wheels with the always-desired turbine trim rings, and sun visors are fitted to the windshield header.

This 356 convertible needs very little to make it a viable concours candidate. It is supplied with the aforementioned Certificate of Authenticity, which attests to its numbers-matching heritage, along with a copy of the factory Kardex.

What are now referred to as “Pre-A” 356 models have been growing steadily in popularity, and their scarcity, especially in this condition, makes this particular car a worthwhile acquisition for any enthusiast.