Porsche 356 Pre-A 1300
Highlights
- Restoration completed by a recognised German 356 specialist
- German-delivery example
- One of 242 cabriolets built by Gläser between 1950 and 1952
1952 Porsche 356 ‘Split-Window’ Cabriolet by Gläser – RM Sotheby’s
As the fledgling Porsche sought to establish true series production following its relocation from Gmünd to Stuttgart, its preferred coachbuilder, Reutter, experienced an occasional overload of orders. This problem compelled Porsche in 1950 to send a handful of 356 cabriolets to Gläser, the Weiden-based firm that had clothed luxurious convertibles for Mercedes-Benz, Horch, and Maybach. In 1951 this arrangement became more formalised, as Gläser built 106 cabriolets with their own distinct numbering. The following year the coachbuilder also began building the America roadsters that became the basis for the legendary Speedster. In total, between 1950 and 1952, Gläser built 17 America roadsters and 242 356-based cabriolets, which have grown to be particularly desirable.