1953 Porsche 356 Coupe (bent-window)

50790roadGermany

Engine: 1.3L four-cylinder Super (period replacement; original spec was 1500cc), rebuilt
Colour: Azure Blue

A U.S.-specification 'bent-window' Porsche 356 coupe completed at the factory on 25 June 1953 and delivered to New York importer Max Hoffman six months later. Originally fitted with a 1500 engine, the car later received a period 1300 Super unit. Having passed through only two owners prior to the current consignor, it underwent a comprehensive bare-metal restoration completed in 2016 by Brad Janousek of Classic Car Restorations, returning it to original Azure Blue with fewer than 100 miles driven since completion.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$173,600
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1953 →Factory delivery
Max Hoffman
full documentation
Took delivery in New York City approximately six months after factory completion; U.S.-market importer who received the car new.
1969 →Acquisition unknown
Longtime friend of consignor
partial documentation
Identified as the second owner; kept the car for several decades until his death, after which his widow held it.
→ 2013Inheritance
Widow of consignor's longtime friend
partial documentation
Inherited the car following her husband's passing; sold it to the consignor after receiving his assurance it would be restored.
2013 →Private sale
Current consignor
full documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Brad Janousek at Classic Car Restorations in Michigan; car completed in May of the sale year with under 100 miles driven since.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2016Restoration
Classic Car Restorations
Full bare-metal restoration covering the entire body and interior. Floors were replaced, a new windshield sourced, and the body refinished in its original Azure Blue. Interior retrimmed with tan leatherette and oatmeal carpeting; instruments rebuilt.
Replacement panels and glass sourced from Stoddard Porsche; interior materials supplied by Autobahn Interiors; instruments rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. Original body panels and glass were retained where possible. Restoration completed May 2016.
—Engine rebuild
Competition Engineering
The period-replacement 1300 Super engine (fitted at some point after the car left the factory with a 1500 unit) was rebuilt; the four-speed gearbox was also overhauled.
Transmission overhaul performed by Brad Janousek at Classic Car Restorations. Original 1300 Super carburetors, intake manifolds, air cleaners, and pistons retained and supplied with the car.

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