Porsche 356 Pre-A 1300

The vehicle in detail

This interesting example of a ‘bent-window’ cabriolet was completed 19 August 1953, by which time Porsche had adopted a new, fully synchronized gearbox and improved brakes. Nineteen fifty-three models were the first to use the attractive quadruple ‘beehive’ tail-lamp arrangement. Finished in the elegant combination of 531 Modegrau (Fashion Grey) with a red leather interior and black canvas folding top, it was trucked to the company’s dealer in Düsseldorf and thence delivered to its first owner, a Herr Schultz. Its Kardex notes that the car was fitted from new with some unusual options, including reclining seats, chrome-plated top bows with a black headliner, a larger plastic backlight (which became standard in 1962), and an extended steering column. It was serviced regularly through April of 1954 as per notes in the Kardex, and in April 1960 its original engine was replaced with another based on a rebuilt (‘KD’) 1,300 case from 1951. Its last noted dealer service was carried out in June of 1961. Later in its life, this cabriolet was resprayed a bright red and fitted with a lighter canvas roof and beige interior, which it retains to this day. It presents well throughout and would surely make for a wonderful driver’s example.