1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe

Price: - Item location: Santa Cruz, California, United States
Description:

1955 Porsche 356 Base

I purchased this #53248 Coupe from a long time registry member (I myself am a long time registry member). The previous owner owned the car for 30 years and this car went to many, many Porsche gatherings. When I got the car it had the 1500 motor in it that came with the car when the previous owner purchased it 30+ years ago.. I put a big bore 912 motor with Webers in it so that it would keep up with traffic better. I have the 1500 motor in my garage. Both motors are included in the sale. The Kardex is a little “screwy” in the sense that it claimed that the motor this car came with was an early two-piece case early 1954 motor #33166. It seems to me that Porsche did not put that motor in this car (very unlikely). The existing motor is #35366. The transmission was rebuilt by Vic Skirmants at some point in the past. One very interesting thing about this car is that it was a factory delivery car - never going to a dealer. The motor designation in the Kardex says "Werks" meaning factory motor.. There is certainly some interesting history with this car but I do not know what it is.
The car is completely solid and very straight. A lot of the chrome has been redone to a very high standard. I have put a bunch of money into the car in preparation for an expensive paint job. There is no rust other than maybe a little insignificant surface rust on parts of the undercarriage. It has never been in an accident and has all its original panels except for the battery box floor which was replaced because of corrosion from the battery by the last owner. He did a very nice job. The paint is presentable but should be replaced in the original colors/materials. The interior is somewhat rough.
This is a completely unmolested, never rusted, STRAIGHT, Pre-A. Drive it just the way it is for the rest of your life or restore it (very easily). The body will require very little work in preparation for paint as I have been putting money into the car getting it ready for a paint job (then putting red paint back on so I can keep driving it). The car is very fun to drive. It is quick and the steering is nice and tight. This is the best driving Pre-A I have owned.
Please Note: Brake shoes should be replaced. You can drive it as is but one side is a little more "grabby" than the other until you stop a couple times, then they are fine.. Also, I took some parts off the 1500 motor and put them on the 912 motor that is in the car right now {generator, oil filler, oil filter housing} so the 912 motor would look more presentable and be 6V. If you want to reinstall the 1500 motor, I believe the fuel pump should be rebuilt and the parts on the 912 motor returned to the 1500 motor. The floor is completely solid but has some dents. The car is running on 15" Wheels.
I have owned a lot of 356's. I have been involved in the 356 community for a long time. I am only selling this car as my life situation has become complicated.