Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super

According to the birth certificate, the Porsche data sheet and the historical documents, this is a rare version of a 356 Pre-A 1500 S Coupe with the attributes of an exceptional vehicle: The history of the five previous owners has been documented in original documents since the first delivery. It is one of the few existing “matching numbers” examples in which the numbers of the original engine and gearbox match the birth certificate and Kardex card.

The appraiser’s comments confirm the impression: “When you first come into contact with the Porsche Coupe, you are impressed by its well-maintained condition. The body is in very solid condition, the doors and hoods close tightly and lie flat in the body with even gaps. There are apparently no signs of a previous accident. There is no sign of corrosion anywhere. Changes to the bodywork are also not visible.”

During the inspection in 2021, this resulted in a rare assessment and the car was given a grade of 2. In addition to the largely original substance and condition, the complete history and, according to the birth certificate, “matching numbers” are highlighted.

The car has a FIVA pass, was most recently a participant in the 1000Miglia 2021 and is still registered there annually. This circumstance enables the vehicle to be registered preferentially at the 1000Miglia events. This example is therefore ideal for use in historic rallies at the highest level in the future.

The history of this vehicle can be extensively traced using the original documents: On August 15, 1953, the car was delivered in Copenhagen by the Danish Porsche importer to Martin Taylor from Moorestown New Jersey. On November 24, 1954, the car was located at Hofmann in Nevada, the US Porsche importer, with an odometer reading of 3,100. In 1960 the car was resold to Mr. MR Soldavin of Belle Mead, New Jersey, and in 1981 it went to RJ Osborn of Newfoundland, New Jersey until Mrs. Osborn sold the vehicle to the Netherlands in 1994.

At this time the original condition was complete in every respect, an "untouched" original, undamaged and with only 44,000km on the clock. The condition of the body was still good, some parts were missing. These components have been replaced, including the interior, all rubber parts and completely new original wiring. The low beam headlights are still there (partially restored), but equipped with new original Hella headlights of the old type. The interior of the vehicle was replaced with leather, the ribcord, the headliner and the carpets with exactly the same type and quality.

The entire technology of the car was removed, checked and, where necessary or preventatively, overhauled or replaced. All chrome screws were replaced with polished stainless steel, all screws, bolts and nuts are original. On the body, the sheet metal parts were replaced where necessary, but retaining the original sheet metal as far as possible. With the exception of the floor parts, all panels are carefully made by hand and are indistinguishable from the original, in contrast to the replica parts which are generally of poor quality. All welding work on the car is invisible and spot welding on all sides was done in the original places.

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

The current owner from southern Germany was fortunately able to purchase the car in 2021 and successfully took part in the 1000Miglia in the same year, finishing in the top third. In total, this car has taken part in the prestigious rally at least four times since 2010 and is still registered there, promising to make registration and participation much easier. Since then, the vehicle has been in an important collection in southern Germany – the so-called "Nice Village Collection" – which has set itself the goal of compiling Porsche history with a selective selection from all eras, always with a unique history or irretrievable condition. Nevertheless, it is by no means a museum piece, as the vehicle has been regularly moved and expertly looked after.

This is the only known example where not only the numbers match, but even the body still largely has its original substance, and the history and even the mileage are understandable or at least plausible.

The engine and transmission run perfectly and precisely. The car has been driven regularly and expertly by its owners. The vehicle was most recently exhibited at the Concours of Elegance on Lake Tegernsee. The current owner has had the vehicle regularly serviced by Classica since 2021. They also installed original brakes from the 356 Carrera model at the front for the 1000 Miglia. The ongoing service work documents that the car is in an excellent technical condition.

Conclusion: This special 356 1500 S Coupe offers the opportunity to purchase one of the few 129 examples built that has matching numbers. Thanks to the careful and expert care, as well as the existing historical documents and the extensive restoration and maintenance work, this vehicle is in outstanding condition. It therefore offers collectors of exceptional vehicles who appreciate originality the opportunity to purchase this exceptional 356 Pre-A. In addition, this vehicle is ideal for use in classic rallies such as the 1000 Miglia, where the vehicle has already taken part and is still registered.

It is a continuously driven and maintained vehicle that is ready for use immediately. The comprehensively documented history, the reference of the previous owners and the use in successful participation in classic rallies also make the vehicle outstanding for any collection of unique items with an irretrievable history and degree of preservation.

Highlights:
– Successful Mille Miglia vehicle and still registered (registrato)
– Matching numbers according to Porsche birth certificate
– Current FIVA pass
– German road registration

Extract from the report from the Pilger office dated June 21, 2021:
Identity check

The chassis number is clearly legible and stamped on the front floor of the trunk and is identical to the one entered in the vehicle documents. The following identification numbers were read:

The engine number P-40545 is stamped in the middle of the engine block. Gearbox number: 2011 H4
Reutter body number 51101
Front flap and hood are stamped with "1", the last number of the VIN. The numbers listed correspond to those of the delivery.
The engine number indicates a type-correct 1500 engine of engine type 528, which is also stamped on the housing.

According to the Kardex car card, this 356 was built as a 1500 Super on August 15, 1953 and delivered in August in fashion gray via the Danish importer to Martin Taylor from Moorestown, New Jersey, USA. On November 24, 1954, work was carried out on 3,100 km by the US importer Hofmann in Nevada.
In 1960, the 356 was sold to Mr. Soldavin from New Jersey, who did not resell it until 1981 to RJ Osborn from Newfoundland / New Jersey. In 1994, Mrs. Osborn sold the car to the Netherlands, where it arrived on October 22, 1994 according to customs papers.
At this time, the Porsche was unrestored with only 44,000 km on the clock. Apart from a few small parts, the car was complete and in solid condition. In 2003/04, the 356 was completely restored. This is shown in detail. An effort was made to remain true to the original, even if leather was used instead of artificial leather and the paintwork was changed to metallic blue. On May 31, 2010, Hoog Huis sold the Porsche to Sig. Gnutti in Brescia, Italy, via Smith-Veglia in Zeist, NL. On January 26, 2021, the current owner from Berchtesgaden acquired the 356 1500 Super.

Vehicle description:

When you first come into contact with it, the Porsche Coupe impresses with its well-maintained condition. The body is in very solid condition, doors and hoods close tightly and lie flat in the body with even gaps. There are apparently no signs of a previous accident. Corrosion is nowhere to be seen. Changes to the body are also not visible. Decoration and attachments are mounted symmetrically.
The paintwork, although now a good 15 years old, shows no signs of age. It appeals to flat surfaces with a beautiful shine. There are no scratches or scrapes worth mentioning. The paint thickness, measured across the entire vehicle, is essentially between 310 µm and 960 µm.
The trim is all there. 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 glasses are undamaged, the reflectors are not blind.
The glazing is original with unavoidable signs of wear. The rubbers are not cracked in the corners.
The interior has been extensively renovated. The seats, rear seat bench and door panels are undamaged. They have been restored true to the original. The carpet has been replaced with authentic material and still shows no signs of wear. The dashboard and side cover strips are painted in the color of the vehicle, not the color of the interior. It is equipped with original Veigel instruments and a matching temperature gauge. The headliner has been replaced with artificial leather instead of felt. Overall, the interior is well-maintained. Because the car was used for vintage car events, a removable Trippmaster was installed.
The trunk is clean. The floor is covered with the original rubber mat, 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 walls and bulkhead are without the original soundproofing mats. The engine is said to have been completely overhauled at the time, as was the gearbox. The engine is equipped with the original Solex 40 PBIC carburettors. There is no oil leakage in the engine.
The electrics have been extensively renewed, but the original 6 V has been retained.

The underbody is in solid condition. There is no visible corrosion or damage. The chassis gives a well-maintained impression with intact rubber and sports shock absorbers. There is no noticeable oil loss from the engine or gearbox.
The Porsche starts immediately when cold, runs smoothly straight away and responds willingly to the accelerator. The gears change perfectly. The brakes can be finely dosed. No strange noises were audible.

Vehicle evaluation

The Porsche assessed underwent a total restoration in 2003/04 and has been driven since then. Despite this, the 356 still shows no notable signs of wear and is in impressive condition. According to the Classic Data evaluation system, a condition rating of 2 seems appropriate.

When determining the value of the vehicle, it must be taken into account in addition to the condition rating that this 1500 Super has the original engine and gearbox, which makes the low mileage seem credible given the manageable durability of the engines.

Special equipment

According to the Kardex card, the following equipment was installed at delivery:

– Seal Beam headlight inserts
– Extended steering column