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Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500

Coupé, 1955

Highlights

Originally specified in uncommon Adriablau over Grey upholstery
$140,000 - $180,000 | OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Monterey Jet Center 2025

1955 Porsche 356 “Pre-A” 1500 Coupe
Originally specified in uncommon Adriablau over Grey upholstery – Over $17,000 in dealer-cost servicing performed at Porsche Tucson in 2022 – Documented by a copy of its Kardex warranty card as ordered with a large dashboard-fitted clock and a turn signal light indicator – First delivered to Hahn Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany – Optioned with the largest displacement pushrod 1,500 cc engine – Retains its original numbers matching transmission; includes a spare Type 528/2 Super engine

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The vehicle in detail

Chassis No. 53944 – Engine No. 741849 – Transmission No. 6603H3 – Spare Engine No. 41057

The Kardex warranty card for this 1955 Porsche 356 “Pre-A” Coupe reveals that it was originally finished in Adriablau (Adria Blue Metallic) over a Grey-upholstered interior—a subtle yet uncommon color combination that suited the earliest 356 silhouette with aplomb. Factory fitted options included a large dashboard-fitted clock and a turn signal light indicator. Furthermore, the document records that the Pre-A was ordered through Hahn Porsche—just down the road from Zuffenhausen—with the Type 546/2 1,500-cc flat-four, the largest displacement pushrod engine available at the time. Delivered on 30 July 1955 to a Herrn Wörner in Stuttgart, the Coupe that embodied Porsche’s period slogan “Years ahead in engineering, miles ahead on the road” with its efficient engine, synchromesh four-speed transmission, torsion bar suspension, and light-metal brakes later traversed the Atlantic and found its way to San Diego, California, where it was discovered by Porsche Tucson in 2022.

Porsche Tucson brought the rare 356 to their Porsche Center, where 47-year Porsche Master Technician Jim Guthrie and his team at Porsche Tucson Classics enacted a number of restorative efforts to the Pre-A—then wearing dark blue paintwork reminiscent of period-correct Azure Blue. Prior to their acquisition the interior was upholstered in grey leather by the highly respected Autobahn Interiors in San Diego, California. While the car is currently fitted with a larger displacement flat-four originally installed in a 1965 912 it is also offered with a spare Type 528/2 1,500-cc Super engine, serial number 41057. The additional engine is noted to turn freely with compression, offering the successful bidder a tantalizing opportunity to return the car closer to its original specification if they choose to do so.

After a thorough Porsche Tucson Classics inspection, Guthrie’s team focused their restorative efforts on the 356’s driving enjoyment. The matching numbers four-speed transmission was removed and received fresh mounts and a new clutch. The suspension was upgraded with new front and rear Koni Classic shock absorbers, new rear trailing arm bushings, and a fresh set of 165-15 blackwall tires. The exterior of the car received a color correction, new turn signal lenses, a seal and rubber trim replacement kit, exhaust tips, and more. A sum of the work invested in the 356 Coupe by Porsche Tucson invoiced at dealer cost totaled $17,700 by June 2022.

A Pre-A 356 is perhaps the purest expression of the original Porsche concept—light weight, purposeful design, and engineering excellence. Add to that a windswept Coupe body of undeniable beauty and the largest displacement flat-four available when new, chassis number 53944 offers enthusiasts a highly collectible Porsche and one of the earliest and most coveted Porsche driving experiences.

Specifications

Year of construction:	1955
Model:	356 Pre-A 1500
VIN:	53944
Body:	Coupé
Series:	356
Mileage:	1953 mi
Power:	55 HP
Cylinder capacity:	1.5 Liter
Steering:	left
Transmission:	Manual

Drive:	Rear drive
Fuel:	Gasoline
Interior material:	Leather
Interior color:	Grey
Exterior color:	Blue
Manufacturer color code (exterior):	Adriablau 5410/Reutter 509
Condition:	Fully restored
New / used:	Used car
Ready to drive:	yes
Car location:	Belgium