Overview Gallery Details Vehicle in detail Specs Specifications

Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500

Coupé, 1954

Highlights

Stunning restoration executed by noted Porsche specialist, Giro Classico
Offered with copy of Porsche history Kardex
The Monaco Sale 2026

1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Coupé
Coachwork by Reutter – Chassis no. 51999. -Engine no. 30162 (see text)
Highly desirable early ‘bent-window’ Pre-A model fitted with rare ‘sleepcoach’ option • Delivered new to Porsche dealer Max Hoffman, New York for their client, Mr Plummer • Stunning restoration executed by noted Porsche specialist, Giro Classico • Belgian registration certificate • Offered with copy of Porsche history Kardex

Dr Ferdinand Porsche’s legendary 356 was first brought to life in a small workshop in Gmünd, Austria in 1948. Increased demand led to production shifting in 1950 to Stuttgart, where the now steel-bodied cars were assembled by Karosserie Reutter. Initially built with a split windscreen, the styling was later refined in 1952, with a more modern one-piece “bent-window”.

All lots for this auction

This car auction is hosted by Bonhams | Cars. Click here to continue to the auction.

Go to auction page

View the cars in your watch list: Go to watch list

Please mention Elferspot when calling Bonhams | Cars.

Call

PDF Download

The vehicle in detail

Indeed, no Porsche collection can be truly complete without one of these groundbreaking models which started it all. According to the Porsche-issued Kardex certificate on file, this 356 Pre-A, Chassis no. 51999, was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche works during April of 1954 as one of 1,363 Coupés produced that year. While the original engine (no. 32898) is no longer with the car, the correct 546 type engine, 1.500cc, no. 30162/U, (Porsche factory-supplied exchange engine), is fitted. The car also retains the desirable split-case gearbox and the correct 6V electrical system.

Further records indicate that this car was shipped to the famous Max Hoffman Porsche dealer of New York in 1954, for use by Mr Plummer. (Some sources claim it could be the famous actor, Christopher Plummer).

While its history in the United States is not documented, the car was later imported to Italy in 1988 (customs document and Porsche AG letter on file) and the new owner commissioned a full restoration in 2010, which was completed by Porsche specialist Giro Classico/Vicenza (numerous photographs of the work on file), returning the rare, early Porsche 356 to its former glory.

Finished in elegant Ivory over a tastefully trimmed beige interior, the clean Reutter bodywork presents with the understated charm that suits an early Pre-A so well.
The dash-mounted Telefunken radio was also restored, as were the delicate metric instruments situated in the distinct early Pre-A dashboard.

In 2019, this Porsche was acquired by a French collector who, in 2023, commissioned a complete service and engine/gearbox overhaul at JB Classic Cars in The Netherlands (detail and invoice on file).

The current Belgian owner registered this early 356 Pre-A in Belgium with a clean technical report (documents on file).

Today this rare Porsche is a beautiful example inside and out and would surely be welcomed to many Porsche events or Concours d’Elegance. This Pre-A 356 Knickscheibe Coupé beautifully demonstrates the pure and clean design of these early Porsche cars.

Specifications

Year of construction:	1954
Model:	356 Pre-A 1500
VIN:	51999 VIN copied
Body:	Coupé
Series:	356
Power:	55 HP
Cylinder capacity:	1.5 Liter
Steering:	left
Transmission:	Manual

Drive:	Rear drive
Fuel:	Gasoline
Interior material:	Leather
Interior color:	Brown
Exterior color:	Beige/Brown
Condition:	Fully restored
New / used:	Used car
Car location:	Monaco
Elferspot ID:	5880520