Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super

The car has a current FIVA Pass, most recently participated in the 2021 1000 Miglia, and is still registered there annually. This circumstance allows for priority registration of the vehicle at 1000 Miglia events. Therefore, not least due to the built-in Rally Tripmaster, this example is also ideally suited for future use in historic rallies at the highest level.

The history of this vehicle can be thoroughly traced using the original documents: On August 15, 1953, the car was delivered in Copenhagen by the Danish Porsche importer to Martin Taylor of Moorestown, New Jersey. On November 24, 1954, the car, with a mileage of 3,100 km, was at Hofmann in Nevada, the U.S. Porsche importer. In 1960, the car was resold to Mr. M. R. Soldavin of Belle Mead, New Jersey, and passed to RJ Osborn of Newfoundland, New Jersey, until Mrs. Osborn sold the vehicle to the Netherlands in 1994.

At that time, the car was in its original condition in every respect—an “untouched” original, undamaged, and with only 44,000 km on the odometer. The bodywork was still in good condition, though some parts were missing. These components were replaced, including the interior, all rubber parts, and a completely new set of original wiring. The low-beam headlights are still present (partially restored) but have been fitted with new original Hella headlights of the older type. The vehicle’s interior has been reupholstered in leather, with the ribcord, headliner, and carpets replaced with materials of exactly the same type and quality.

The restoration company’s description indicates that the car’s entire mechanical system was removed, inspected, and, where necessary or as a preventive measure, overhauled or replaced. All chrome screws were replaced with polished stainless steel; all screws, bolts, and nuts are original. On the body, sheet metal panels were replaced where necessary, but the original sheet metal was retained as much as possible. With the exception of the floor panels, all panels were carefully crafted by hand and are indistinguishable from the originals, unlike reproduction parts, which are generally of inferior quality. All welding work on the car is invisible, and spot welding was performed on all sides at the original locations.

The vehicle was sold on May 31, 2010, by the Dutch classic car dealer Smith-Veglia to Mr. Mario Gnutti of Brescia, Italy. The new owner participated in various historic motorsport events with it, as evidenced by the numerous event stickers. Based on the seals still present in the vehicle, it also participated in the 1000 Miglia in Italy.

The current owner from southern Germany was fortunate enough to acquire the car in 2021 and successfully participated in the 1000 Miglia that same year, finishing in the top third. In total, this car has participated in the prestigious rally at least four times since 2010 and remains registered there, which promises to significantly simplify registration and participation. Since then, the vehicle has been part of a significant collection in southern Germany—the so-called “Nice Village Collection”—which aims to compile Porsche history through a selective choice of vehicles from all eras, each with a unique story or in irreplaceable condition. Nevertheless, it is by no means a museum piece, as the vehicle has been driven regularly and maintained by experts.

It is the only known example in which not only do the chassis and engine numbers match, but the body also largely retains its original substance, and the history and even the mileage are traceable or at least plausible.

The engine and transmission run flawlessly and precisely. The car has been driven regularly and expertly by its owners. Most recently, the vehicle was exhibited at the Concours of Elegance on Lake Tegernsee. The current owner has had the vehicle regularly serviced by Classica since 2021. There, original front brakes from the 356 Carrera model were also installed for the 1000 Miglia event. The ongoing service records document that the car is in excellent technical condition.

Conclusion: This exceptional 356 1500 S Coupe offers the opportunity to acquire one of the few 129 examples ever built that features “matching numbers.” Thanks to careful and expert maintenance, as well as the available historical documentation and comprehensive restoration and servicing, this vehicle is in outstanding condition. It therefore offers collectors of exceptional vehicles who appreciate originality the opportunity to acquire this extraordinary 356 Pre-A. Furthermore, this vehicle is ideally suited for use in classic rallies such as the 1000 Miglia, where the vehicle has already participated and is still registered.

This is a regularly driven and maintained vehicle that is ready for immediate use. Its comprehensively documented history, the references from previous owners, and its successful participation in classic rallies make the vehicle particularly outstanding for any collection of unique vehicles with irreplaceable history and condition.

We provide this inspected vehicle with a 12-month warranty, a current general inspection, and, upon request, an insurance appraisal and international transport.

“Motor Legends: Buy a Porsche with confidence.”

• Successful rally car / “1000 Miglia registro”
• Matching numbers / Porsche certificate of origin
• 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 certificate of origin
– Current FIVA Pass
– German street registration

Excerpt from the report by the Pilger office dated June 21, 2021:
Identity verification

The chassis number is clearly stamped on the front of the trunk floor and matches the one listed in the vehicle documents. The following identification numbers were recorded:

The engine number P-40545 is stamped in the center of the engine block. Transmission number: 2011 H4
Reutter body no. 51101
The front panel and 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 identifies a type-correct 1500 engine of the 528 engine type, which is also stamped on the housing.

According to the Kardex vehicle record, this 356 was built as a 1500 Super on August 15, 1953, and was delivered in August in Fashion Gray via the Danish importer to Martin Taylor of Moorestown, New Jersey, USA. On November 24, 1954, work was performed at 3,100 km by the U.S. importer Hofmann in Nevada.
In 1960, the 356 was sold to Mr. Soldavin of New Jersey, who did not resell it until 1981 to RJ Osborn of 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. The car was complete, except for a few small parts, 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 the imitation leather and the paintwork was changed to blue metallic. On May 31, 2010, Hoog Huis sold the Porsche to Mr. Gnutti in Brescia, Italy, through the firm Smith-Veglia in Zeist, NL. On January 26, 2021, the current owner from Berchtesgaden acquired the 356 1500 Super.

Vehicle Description:

Upon first inspection, the Porsche Coupe impresses with its well-maintained condition. The bodywork appears to be in very solid condition; doors and hoods close tightly and lie flush with the body, with uniform gap measurements. There are no visible signs of a previous accident. No corrosion is visible anywhere. Modifications to the bodywork are also not apparent. 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 pleasing to the eye with its smooth surfaces and beautiful gloss. No notable scratches or even scuffs are visible. The paint thickness, measured across the entire vehicle, ranges primarily between 310 µm and 960 µm.
All trim is present. The window frames are in very good condition, as are the door handles and lettering. The aluminum bumper strips and bumper horns are dent-free.
The lights are in very good condition; the lenses are undamaged, and the reflectors are not dull.
The glazing is original with inevitable signs of wear. The rubber seals show no cracking at the corners.
The interior has been extensively refurbished. The seats, rear bench, and door panels are free of damage. They have been restored true to the original. The carpet has been replaced with authentic material and shows no signs of wear. The dashboard and side trim strips are painted in the body color, not the interior color. It is equipped with original Veigel instruments as well as a temperature gauge that matches the interior. The headliner has been replaced with synthetic leather instead of felt. Overall, a well-maintained interior. A removable Trippmaster was installed for participation in classic car events.
The trunk is clean. The floor is lined with an original rubber mat, and the sides are carpeted. The gas tank has no dents. A spare tire and jack are included.
The engine compartment is clean and well-maintained. The side panels and bulkhead are missing 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 are no visible oil leaks on the engine.
The electrical system has been extensively updated, retaining the original 6 V setup.

The underbody is in solid condition. No corrosion or damage is visible. The suspension gives a well-maintained impression with intact rubber bushings and sport shock absorbers. No oil leaks from the engine or transmission are visible.
The Porsche starts immediately when cold, runs smoothly right away, and responds readily to the throttle. The gears shift flawlessly. The brakes are easy to modulate. No unusual noises were audible.

Vehicle Assessment

The Porsche in question underwent a complete restoration in 2003/04 and has been driven since then. Nevertheless, the 356 is still in excellent condition with no significant signs of wear. According to the Classic Data evaluation system, a condition rating of 2 appears appropriate.

When determining the vehicle’s value, in addition to the condition grade, it should be noted that this 1500 Super has the original engine and transmission, which makes the low mileage seem plausible given the limited lifespan of these engines.

According to the Kardex card, the following equipment was installed at delivery:
– Seal Beam headlight inserts
– Extended steering column