1952 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe

From the 1949 Gmünd-built coupes to today’s 911 Carreras, one brilliant exterior shape has consistently defined Porsche, and this Reutter- bodied 356 Pre-A offers a sensational take on one of the form’s earliest developments. According to a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 356 was completed on August 30, 1952, and the Kardex indicates that the car was sold through Auguste Veuillet’s Sonauto, the first official Porsche dealer in Paris. On September 20, 1958, the engine was replaced at the Fleischhauer dealership with a factory-issued KD-coded motor, although the Porsche’s current 1500 KD motor was likely installed at some later point.

In addition to featuring the more powerful 1,488 cc engine, this 356 was originally fitted with a number of components new to the 1952 model year, most notably a synchromesh gearbox and a bent, one-piece windscreen that replaced the prior split-pane arrangement. Finished at the factory in Fashion Grey paint, chassis no. 11742 is believed to be one of very few early Porsches imported to Mexico.

Discovered in a garage in Mexico City in 2005, this 356 was purchased by a well-known Volkswagen dealer who embarked on a six-year process of research and restoration. The motor was inspected and discovered to be an authentic Type 546 engine produced in 1953. Cosmetically, the exterior was refinished in Auratium Green, one of the Porsche factory’s original special color options, which looks particularly handsome on the early Reutter coachwork.

The Veigel gauges were reconditioned and a correct Telefunken radio and Hirschmann antenna were sourced and installed, while proper leather upholstery and square-weave carpets ordered from Germany rounded out the interior refurbishments. The opportunity was also taken to upgrade the electrical system to 12-volt current, ensuring more reliable power during low-idle and start-up conditions.

Still featuring its original stamped body panels and factory components, such as the Petri steering wheel, Securit-watermarked glass, Hella taillights, and Bosch headlamps, this beautiful 356 Pre-A is accompanied by the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and Kardex, owner’s manuals, a tool kit, restoration photos, and a custom-fitted car cover. 11742 offers an irresistible opportunity to experience the driving characteristics that made the 356 such an international hit and benefits from Reutter’s elegant early coachwork, abounding in gentle curves and clean lines. This 356 promises driving enjoyment on tours or at Porsche club meets and concours, where its rarity and authenticity will surely draw a crowd.