Description
Porsche’s Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world’s great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminium-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46hp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-litre four-cam boxer Carrera engine of 130 horsepower. Its development brought not only coupes, but luxurious cabriolets and more spartan speedsters and roadsters. More than 76,000 examples were made in all by the time production ceased in 1965.
The 1952 Porsche 356 Pre-A is an interesting model-year, as it marks the change from the split windshield to the bent windshield, which is curved in the centre and at each edge. Here we have a fantastic un-restored Porsche 356 Pre-A Bent Window (Knicksheibe) from 1952, the genuine presentation model from Reutter of Stuttgart. In 1952 these Porsche 356s were one of the fastest cars in production, accelerating to 170KMs producing 102 NM of torque, largely due to its advanced crankshaft. Featured in the book ‘Faszination 356’ by Achim Kubiak this lovely piece is described by its owner as ‘totally original and un-restored’ in all respects other than its paint scheme which in circa 1990 was changed from a ‘Fisch Grau’ (Fish Grey) to the present black colour.
The originality of the car extends to its interior. The steering-wheel, seats, dials and switches are original but remain in presentable and fully functioning condition. Chances to acquire original Pre A Knickscheibe 356’s like this don’t come around all that often, let alone the more desirable upgraded range with added rev-counters, rear folding seats and the newer style bumpers. Beautiful yet discreet and a rare chance to acquire one in nearly original condition.
