Completed on 25 June 1953 and delivered to Max Hoffman in New York City six months later, this U.S.-specification “bent-window” 356 coupe recently enjoyed a comprehensive, high-quality restoration. It has been driven fewer than 100 miles since.

The consignor notes that he acquired the Porsche in 2013 from the widow of a longtime friend after promising that he would restore it and then give her a ride. The friend had owned this ’53 coupe since 1969 and was only the second owner. He subsequently sent the 356 to Brad Janousek at Classic Car Restorations in Bellevue, Michigan, known for his work for the well-known Gilmore Museum. The body panels and glass were original, but the floors required replacement. Those items and other components, including a new windshield, were sourced from Stoddard Porsche in Ohio. After being taken down to bare metal, the body was repainted in its original Azure Blue, an elegant color carried over from 1952. New tan leatherette upholstery and oatmeal carpeting were supplied by Autobahn Interiors. The instruments were rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. The painted steel wheels are correct 3.5 × 16 inches and are believed to be the originals. The car was completed in May of this year and presents in exceptional condition throughout, with excellent fit and finish as expected from such a high-quality restoration.

The factory Kardex, a copy of which is included on file, reveals that this handsome little 356 left the factory equipped with a 1500 engine, but at some point in its life it was fitted with a period replacement. The current engine, a slightly later 1300 Super, was rebuilt by Competition Engineering, and Janousek overhauled the four-speed transmission. The car is supplied with the 1300 Super’s original carburetors, intake manifolds, air cleaners, and pistons. The engine bay and front trunk are carefully detailed, including the matching spare wheel. A folder of restoration documents and photos accompanies the 356 along with a new Porsche tool kit and Bilstein factory jack.

Rare and highly desirable, this lovely “bent-window” coupe would make a wonderful addition to any Porsche collection and is sure to attract plenty of admirers at one’s local gearhead gatherings.