This is particularly true when, as in this case, the vehicle is so well preserved and has such a special history.
According to its birth certificate, the Porsche data sheet, and historical documents, this is a rare version of a 356 Pre-A 1500 S Coupe with the attributes of an exceptional vehicle: the history of the five previous owners has been documented with original documents since the vehicle was first delivered. It is one of the few existing "Matching numbers" examples in which the numbers of the original engine and transmission match the birth certificate and Kardex card.
The expert's comments confirm this impression: "At first glance, the Porsche Coupe impresses with its well-maintained condition. The bodywork appears to be in very solid condition, the doors and hoods close tightly and lie flush with the bodywork with even gaps. There are no visible signs of previous accidents. There is no corrosion anywhere. There are also no visible modifications to the bodywork."
During the appraisal in 2021, this resulted in a rare rating and the car was awarded a grade of 2. In addition to the largely original substance and condition, the complete history and "Matching numbers" according to the birth certificate are highlighted.
The car has a current FIVA passport, most recently participated in the 1000Miglia 2021, and is still registered there annually. This circumstance allows for preferential registration of the vehicle at 1000Miglia events. Therefore, not least because of the built-in rally tripmaster, this model is also ideal for future use in historic rallies at the highest level.
The history of this vehicle can be traced extensively using the original documents: On August 15, 1953, the car was delivered in Copenhagen by the Danish Porsche importer to Martin Taylor from Moorestown, New Jersey. On November 24, 1954, the car was at Hofmann in Nevada, the U.S. Porsche importer, with a mileage of 3,100 kilometers. In 1960, the car was sold to Mr. M. R. Soldavin from Belle Mead, New Jersey, and in 1981 it went to RJ Osborn from Newfoundland, New Jersey, until Mrs. Osborn sold the vehicle to the Netherlands in 1994.
At that time, it was completely original in every respect, an "untouched" original, undamaged and with only 44,000 km on the odometer. The bodywork was still in good condition, but some parts were missing. These components were replaced, including the interior, all rubber parts and completely new original wiring. The low-beam headlights are still present (partially restored), but equipped with new original Hella headlights of the old type. The interior of the vehicle was replaced with leather, and the ribcord, headliner, and carpets were replaced with exactly the same type and quality.
The description provided by the restoration company indicates that all of the car's technical components were removed, inspected, and, where necessary or as a preventive measure, overhauled or replaced. All chrome screws were replaced with polished stainless steel, and all screws, bolts, and nuts are original. Where necessary, the sheet metal parts of the bodywork were replaced, but as far as possible the original sheet metal was retained. With the exception of the floor panels, all panels were carefully crafted by hand and are indistinguishable from the originals, in contrast to the generally poor quality of reproduction parts. All welding work on the car is invisible and spot welding was carried out on all sides in the original locations.
The vehicle was sold on May 31, 2010, by the Dutch classic car dealer Smith-Veglia to Mr. Mario Gnutti, Brescia, Italy. The new owner took part in various historic motorsport events, as can be seen from the numerous event stickers. Based on the seals still present in the vehicle, it also took part in the 1000 Miglia in Italy.
The current owner from southern Germany was fortunate enough to purchase the car in 2021 and successfully participate in the 1000Miglia in the same year, finishing in the top third. In total, this car has participated in the prestigious rally at least four times since 2010 and is still registered there, which promises to make registration and participation considerably easier. Since then, the vehicle has been part of an important collection in southern Germany – the so-called "Nice Village Collection" – which has set itself the goal of compiling Porsche history with a selective selection from all eras, always with a unique story or irreplaceable condition. Nevertheless, it is by no means a museum piece, as the vehicle has been regularly driven and expertly maintained.
It is the only known example in which not only are the numbers matching, but the bodywork is still largely in its original condition, and the history and even the mileage are traceable or at least plausible.
The engine and transmission run smoothly and precisely. The car has been driven regularly and expertly by its owners. The vehicle was most recently exhibited at the Concours of Elegance at Lake Tegernsee. The current owner has had the vehicle regularly serviced by Classica since 2021. There, original brakes from the 356 Carrera model were also installed at the front for use in the 1000 Miglia. The ongoing service work documents that the car is in excellent technical condition.
Conclusion: This special 356 1500 S Coupe offers the opportunity to purchase one of the few 129 examples built that has matching numbers. Thanks to careful and expert care, as well as the available historical documents and comprehensive restoration and maintenance work, this vehicle is in outstanding condition. It therefore offers collectors of exceptional vehicles who appreciate originality the opportunity to purchase this extraordinary 356 Pre-A. In addition, this vehicle is ideal for use in classic rallies such as the 1000 Miglia, in which the vehicle has already participated and is still registered.
It is a vehicle that is regularly driven and maintained and is ready for immediate use. Its comprehensively documented history, the references of its previous owners, and its successful participation in classic rallies make this vehicle even more outstanding for any collection of unique items with irreplaceable history and a high degree of preservation.
You will receive this inspected vehicle from us with a 12-month warranty, as well as a current general inspection and, on request, an insurance appraisal and international transport.
"Motor legends: Buy a Porsche with confidence."
- Successful rally vehicle / "1000 Miglia Registro"
- Matching numbers / Porsche birth certificate
- Current FIVA pass / German road registration
- Traceable history and mileage
- Very original condition
- Complete documentation
Highlights:
– Successful Mille Miglia vehicle and still registered (registrato)
– Matching numbers according to Porsche birth certificate
– Current FIVA passport
– German road registration
Excerpt from the report by Büro Pilger dated June 21, 2021:
Identity check
The chassis number is clearly stamped on the front of the trunk floor and is identical to the number entered in the vehicle documents. The following identification numbers were read:
The engine number P-40545 is stamped in the center of the engine block. Transmission number: 2011 H4
Reutter body number 51101
The front hood and engine hood are stamped with "1," the last digit of the VIN. The numbers listed correspond to those at the time of delivery.
The engine number indicates a type-correct 1500 engine of the 528 engine type, which is also stamped on the housing.
According to the Kardex vehicle card, this 356 was built as a 1500 Super on August 15, 1953, and delivered in August in fashion gray via the Danish importer to Martin Taylor from Moorestown, New Jersey, USA. On November 24, 1954, work was carried out at the US importer Hofmann in Nevada at 3,100 km.
In 1960, the 356 was sold to Mr. Soldavin from New Jersey, who did not resell it until 1981 to RJ Osborn from Newfoundland, New Jersey. In 1994, Mrs. Osborn sold the car to the Netherlands, where it arrived on October 22, 1994, according to customs documents.
At that time, the Porsche was in unrestored condition with only 44,000 km on the odometer. Except for a few small parts, the car was complete and in solid condition. In 2003/04, the 356 was then completely restored. This is described in detail. Every effort was made to remain true to the original, even though leather was used instead of imitation leather and the paintwork was changed to metallic blue. On May 31, 2010, Hoog Huis sold the Porsche to Sig. Gnutti in Brescia, Italy, through the company Smith-Veglia in Zeist, NL. On January 26, 2021, the current owner from Berchtesgaden purchased the 356 1500 Super.
Vehicle description:
At first glance, the Porsche Coupe impresses with its well-maintained condition. The bodywork appears to be in very solid condition, with doors and hoods closing tightly and lying flush with the bodywork with even gaps. There are no visible signs of previous accidents. There is no corrosion anywhere. There are also no visible modifications to the bodywork. Trim and add-on parts are mounted symmetrically.
Although the paintwork is now a good 15 years old, it shows no signs of aging. It is attractive with its smooth surfaces and beautiful shine. There are no noticeable scratches or scuffs. The paint thickness, measured across the entire vehicle, is essentially between 310 µm and 960 µm.
The trim is complete. The window frames are in very good condition, as are the door handles and lettering. The aluminum bumper strips and bumper horns are free of dents.
The lights are in very good condition, the glass is undamaged, and the reflectors are not blind.
The glazing is original with inevitable signs of wear. The rubber seals are free of cracks in the corners.
The interior has been extensively refurbished. The seats, rear seat bench, and door panels are undamaged. They have been restored to their original condition. The carpet has been replaced with authentic material and shows no signs of wear. The dashboard and side cover strips are painted in the car's color, not the interior color. It is equipped with original Veigel instruments and a matching temperature gauge. The headliner has been renewed in imitation leather instead of felt. Overall, the interior is well maintained. A removable trip master has been installed for participation in classic car events.
The trunk is clean. The floor is lined with the original rubber mat and the sides are carpeted. The fuel tank has no dents. Spare tire and jack are included.
The engine compartment is clean and well maintained. The side walls and bulkhead are without the original soundproofing mats. The engine is said to have been completely overhauled at the time, as was the transmission. The engine is equipped with the original Solex 40 PBIC carburetors. There is no visible oil loss from the engine.
The electrical system has been extensively renewed, retaining the original 6 V.
The underbody is in solid condition. There is no visible corrosion or damage. The chassis gives a well-maintained impression with intact rubber parts and sports shock absorbers. There is no visible oil loss from the engine or transmission.
The Porsche starts immediately when cold, runs smoothly and responds well to the throttle. The gears shift perfectly. The brakes can be modulated finely. No strange noises were audible.
Vehicle assessment
The Porsche inspected underwent a complete restoration in 2003/04 and has been driven since then. Nevertheless, the 356 is still in impressive condition with no significant signs of wear. According to the Classic Data rating system, a condition rating of 2 appears appropriate.
When determining the value of the vehicle, in addition to the condition rating, it should be taken into account that this 1500 Super has the original engine and transmission, which makes the low mileage seem credible given the limited durability of the engines.
According to the Kardex card, the following equipment was installed at the time of delivery:
– Seal Beam headlight inserts
– Extended steering column
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