Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500

1954 PORSCHE 356 1500 COUPE

Porsche was founded in 1948 with a limited-production run of aluminum-bodied cars in Gmünd, Austria. After relocating to Stuttgart in 1950, the company began serialized building of the 356 series. From 1950 to 1955, Porsches were built at a facility shared with coachbuilder Reutter. In 1952, a significant update introduced a synchromesh gearbox, sturdier bumpers, and the Knickscheibe, or “bent window” windshield.

According to a copy of the factory Kardex on file, this 356 Coupe was completed on April 13, 1954. Finished in Black with beige leatherette and corduroy upholstery, this 356 was equipped with the larger-capacity 1500 “normal” engine. The Kardex notes its initial allocation to “Herr Kern” at Porsche for “internal use,” often associated with testing or executive transportation. It was later sold to a US serviceman stationed near Stuttgart. While its intervening history is unknown, the car was acquired by noted 356 specialist and judge Jim Liberty of Costa Mesa, California. In 2019, Liberty completed a nut-and-bolt restoration, returning the car to its original configuration. Although the Kardex lists no options, this 356 features driving lights and a unique hand-crank outlet beneath the rear license plate that allows the engine to be crank started. One of 959 cars built by Porsche in 1954, this coupe is accompanied by a manual, tools, jack, spare, Kardex, and Reutter Certificate of Production. Eligible for numerous historic motoring events and marque gatherings, this striking bent window 356 1500 Coupe exemplifies the elegance of early Porsche design.