Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500

The vehicle in detail

This 356 was sold new on November 4, 1953 to Gordon Sheldon, a draftsman for Boeing and Rocketdyne, by Jack McAfee Motors in LA. As recollected in the award winning 2018 documentary film “27”, featuring the car and Gordon Sheldon’s wife Lois, this 356 was used as the family’s daily driver. As was common with the earliest of Porsche cars, the then new 356 also took part in time trials and rallies with Mr. Sheldon becoming the 27th member of the Porsche Owners Club, hence the 27 cast aluminum front number plate which is still with the car today along with an original pair of autocross flags. In the early 1970’s, the 356 was repainted in its current beige due to failing paint from the California sun.

This 356 is complete with the original manuals, books, complete tool kit, jack and measuring stick as well as magazine articles and publications. The original 16″ wheels with period tires are set aside and a reproduction set with modern rubber is on the car. Today this great old 356 has a special presence that needs to be experienced to be understood. It is dialed in to a very high level mechanically and can truly be enjoyed without concern. This is a rare chance to own something truly special in the unlimited world of Porsche. This lifelong California car and has only just left the State for the first time.