The Species

The Porsche story is a fascinating one. It’s roots go back to the 1930’s when Professor Ferdinand Porsche was instrumental in the design of the first Volkswagen - and the fabled Auto Union race cars. From 1939, Porsche was forced to focus on supporting the German war effort, yet had always wanted to build his own cars – a dream that lived on. 

Forced to leave Stuttgart in 1944, Porsche set up a cottage-sized operation in Gmünd, Austria. Members of the Porsche family and many of their engineers were captured and jailed.  Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferdinand junior, or ‘Ferry’ as he was known, was released and returned to Gmünd to rebuild the family company.

By mid-1948 the first Porsche 356 was built. Some 50 hand-built aluminium-bodied cars were crafted at Gmünd before relocation back to Stuttgart, Germany. 

The first of the breed, model 356, evolved into one of the most successful sports cars ever built. Competition success all over the world followed - a class win at Le Mans in 1951 a high-point.

The Pre-A 356

The 356 lineage runs from the early cars - known today as ‘Pre-A’ models, built until 1955, superseded by the 356A (built from 1955 – 1959), the 356B (built from 1959 – 1963) and the 356C (built from 1963 – 1965). The 356 was built as a coupe, cabriolet, speedster, roadster and convertible.

For the true Porsche enthusiast, a pre-A version of the brand from 1952 is a tribute to the makings of this extraordinary sports car which today, is arguably the most revered, most desirable, most loved and collected automobile of the post-WW2 era. 

As noted automobile scribe, Ken Purdy waxed, Porsche “…delivers more sheer sensual pleasure than anything else on wheels.”

After the Second World War, Karosserie Reutter was the primary Porsche body supplier and assembly partner for production of the 356 model which led ultimately to the takeover of Reutter by Porsche, in 1963.

This Car

In silver metallic livery, this early 356 marks the subtle transition from the split windscreen to the one piece, ‘bent’ upgrade, its chassis number reputed to be just two after the last split-screen 356. 

Confirmed by Porsche Cars Australia, chassis number 11417 was built on 4th June 1952 in Fish Silver Grey  505 livery and confirmed a LHD version with leatherette interior.

Close to original specification, this svelte 356 Pre-A Knickscheibe makes an immediate impression; be it the classic, simple, uncluttered lines of the original Porsche design – or the striking whitewall tyres so essential in making a statement on the roads of 1950s America.

The 1300cc engine in 1952 was the mid-horsepower option between 1100cc and 1500.cc  

It gave a sound 44HP, 88 mph top speed, its 4-speed transmission making light work of traffic negotiation and providing effortless cruising. 

USA Origins

Originally delivered new, on 4th December 1952, to legendary Porsche USA importer, Max Hoffman of New York, the car ultimately found its way to Belgium where it was partially restored before importation into Australia.  

Early Porsche expert, Rob Foers of Melbourne’s 356 Werks managed the import process for the car’s Australian owner and continued with restoration work before acquisition by its current South Australian custodian, a long-standing Porsche 356 enthusiast who is now down-sizing his classic sports car collection as the tide of time marches inexorably on.

During the car’s time with 356 Werks, a comprehensive mechanical upgrade saw a fully reconditioned, period-correct Pre-A 1300cc engine – number P20500 - imported from renowned USA early Porsche specialist, Stoddard Inc. 

Once in South Australia, the 356 was entrusted to fabled artisan Mark Scott to service and maintain.