Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: 124193 (212545) Mot Expiry: None
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 platform chassis (complete with rear-mounted engine), it was duly homologated by the state government of Kärnten 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 (albeit still VW Beetle derived) 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.
Finished in red with tan upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1990. Beginning life as Reutter bodied car, it was rebuilt using a similar period Karmann shell at some stage. Boasting a 200km/h speedometer and Blaupunkt radio to its 2+2 interior, other fittings include a rear luggage rack, Fram oil filter and K&N air filters.
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