Lot details Registration No: NWR539A Chassis No: 122708 Mot Expiry: May 2015
Under the stewardship of son Ferry, the Professor Ferdinand Porsche Bureau of Design began work on its first post-WW2 car in 1948. Known as Project 356, the lightweight machine featured a spaceframe chassis and mid-mounted powerplant. Although, victorious first time out (in the 1100cc class of the Innsbruck city race), it was too radical to become a production reality. Reconfigured around a rear-engined platform chassis, it was duly homologated by the state government of Kornten in Austria on June 8th 1948. Initially built at Gmund, the transfer of production to Zuffenhausen in 1950 facilitated a switch from hand-beaten aluminium to pressed-steel bodywork. Launched in 1955, the 356A benefited from uprated running gear and various tweaks to its all-round independent torsion bar suspension. Lasting for four years, it gave way to the more US-orientated 356B in 1959. Equipped with a 1600cc four-cylinder unit as standard, this latter model underwent a facelift in 1961 when its heavily criticised T-5 bodyshell was replaced by the T-6. Benefiting from larger front / rear windscreens, reprofiled bumpers and a sleeker roofline, it remains for many the ultimate 356 silhouette. Thought to have spent time as a racer due to its later 356C-type engine (enlarged to circa 1700cc) and four-wheel disc brakes, this particular example - chassis 122708 - spent several years in Englewood, Colorado before being imported to the UK during 1992. Treated to an extensive restoration some five years later that included the fitting of genuine replacement floor panels (the old ones apparently carrying rollcage / harness mounts), the Porsche also had its front seats faced in leather plus gained new door cards, side panels and carpets etc. Recently recommissioned following more than a decade's dry storage, 'NWR 539A' still utilises 6-volt electrics and sports a period Blaupunkt radio. Starting readily upon inspection, this handsome Porsche is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and fresh MOT certificate.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035