1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe

50947roadGermany

Engine: Rebuilt 1.6L flat-four (356C case, big-bore pistons, SC crankshaft), ~80+ bhp, sport exhaust
Colour: Slate gray

A 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A coupe with an intentional Outlaw character, this car was shipped new to Max Hoffman's New York distribution centre as a US-specification example, originally finished in Pascha Red. Acquired around 2000 by an Ohio-based Porsche enthusiast and restorer, it was extensively rebuilt over approximately 18 years with structural metalwork, a modified 1964 356C engine, updated suspension components, and a respray in Slate Gray — resulting in a well-sorted driver with period-flavoured modifications.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$159,600
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
2000 →Acquisition unknown
Ohio-based Porsche enthusiast and restorer
partial documentation
Acquired the car as an unfinished project and carried out an extensive rebuild spanning roughly 18 years, including structural metalwork, engine upgrade, and cosmetic refinishment to personal Outlaw-style taste.
Date unknownFactory delivery
Max Hoffman distribution center
partial documentation
Factory records confirm the car was a US-specification unit dispatched to Hoffman's New York import operation; no further detail on subsequent early history is documented.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2016
Mechanical
New Michelin radial tyres fitted across all four positions.
—
Restoration
Rust-affected structural areas including floors, longitudinals, battery box, and related panels were replaced with reproduction sheet metal. The original nose clip was swapped for a 1962-vintage unit, and suspension components were largely sourced from the same year.
Work carried out by the Ohio owner over approximately 18 years beginning around 2000.
—
Engine rebuild
A 1964 356C 1600 engine case was rebuilt using Shasta big-bore pistons and cylinders together with an SC crankshaft and a sport exhaust, yielding an estimated output exceeding 80 bhp. Power is routed through a rebuilt Type 741 four-speed gearbox.
The standard 1600C unit produces 75 bhp; the modifications are expected to raise output somewhat beyond that figure.
—
Bodywork
Exterior repainted in Slate Gray; interior retrimmed in a light gray and butterscotch combination with gray carpeting and black rubber mats. Engine bay lined in grey leatherette. Exterior brightwork largely renewed and a new German Sigla windshield fitted.
LED tail lamp bulbs and a Derrington-style wood-rimmed alloy steering wheel were also fitted during this phase.

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