European Collectibles has recently rebuilt the top end of the engine, sorted out the shifter mechanism, and the braking system was also rebuilt. The 356 is well-prepared for top-down touring, rallies, or competition on the Concour events.
The body was built by Reutter, a coachbuilder that was purchased by Porsche in 1963. Pascha Red is the original factory color and was offered from 1951 to 1953. Its dark cherry red exterior is complemented by a split windshield, with its prominent central crease, distinctly uncluttered, pure design, Excelsior 5.0/5.25-16” tires, body color steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, and body-to-bumper.
The overall condition of the restoration is simply stunning finished ih the original color combination. The cabin is beautifully presented with the original Veigel instruments, a Blaupunkt radio reminiscent of the Art-Deco era, Bakelite switchgear, a Banjo-style steering wheel, a rare bench seat, German square weave carpets, and wooden door caps.
Introduced in 1951, the 1300cc flat-four air-cooled engine (Type 506), fitted with a revised Volkswagen crankcase, forged steel crankshaft, and light-alloy cylinder barrels produced 44 HP at 4,200 RPM. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox with four-wheel drum brakes.
Specifications
• 1,286cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine
• Dual carburetors
• 44bhp at 4,200rpm
• Independent front suspension
• Laminated torsion bars
• Tubular shock absorbers
• Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
• 4-Speed manual transmission
The sale of this rare early 1951 Split-Window 356 Pre-A Cabriolet in California includes a clean title, recent service records, and a factory Porsche Kardex.
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