ascinating example of Porsche’s early legacy, this 1500 America Coupe was completed at the Reutter plant in Zuffenhausen on 16 June 1953. Optioned with sealed-beam headlights, chassis 50748 was exported to the United States for distribution through Max Hoffman’s pivotal dealership in New York City.
Per the car’s original bill of sale, after arriving in its namesake country, the car was sold on 8 September 1953 to George J. Schwenk of Naugatuck, Connecticut via R.G. Sheli & Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Schwenk was clearly a sports car enthusiast, trading in his 1952 MG TD towards the purchase of the new Porsche.
Interestingly, although a copy of its Kardex build record lists 50748 as finished in Elfenbein (Ivory) over Leder grün (green leather) upholstery, the Reutter Certificate of Production on file confirms that the car was completed in the very appealing livery seen today: Pascha Red over a beige corduroy interior. This is further confirmed by the original bill of sale, which notes the car’s color as “maroon.”
Schwenk’s purchase began an unbroken chain of documented ownership lasting to the present day. An original bill of sale shows Schwenk sold chassis 50748 on 15 February 1956 to Leon Karaban, who held it for 18 years before selling on 5 June 1974 to Thomas Martin. Martin then sold it to Porsche Audi of Avon in Granville, Massachusetts on 5 January 1977. Weeks later, on 1 February 1977, the car was sold again to Wilson H. Rider, also of Granville, who would own 50748 for the next 28 years, selling it 1 November 2005 to an enthusiast in Canaan, New York. The car then passed through two further documented owners before being acquired by the White Collection in 2014.
Now offered in its factory-correct Pascha Red over what appears to be its original beige corduroy interior, this 1500 America Coupe is accompanied by a copy of a Reutter Certificate of Production, Kardex build record copy, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, original owner’s manual and lubrication and service chart, assortment of spare parts, tool kit, and jack. During its time in the White Collection, the car has been started and run to operating temperature on a monthly basis.
Only a cherished few 356 Pre-A 1500 America Coupes remain extant. Chassis 50748, with extensive documentation, fascinating patina, and matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and body panels, offers a truly exclusive opportunity for early Porsche connoisseurs—either for preservation and enjoyment in its remarkably original, patinaed present state, or as an ideal candidate for a complete restoration.
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