1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Cabriolet Project
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1953
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 Cabriolet
- VIN: 60283
- Mileage Shown: 49,391mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Yellow-Green
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Dealer Fees: $500
- Location: 15230 Świecko, Poland
- Country: Poland
- Lot #: V-0061513
Among the purest and most understated expressions of Porsche’s original sports car, the “Pre-A” model refers to the earliest Porsche 356 cars built before 1955. This 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A is one of only 460 Cabriolets produced for the model year. Originally imported to the U.S. by the renowned Hoffman dealership in New York, it was factory-finished in Yellow-Green (Gelbgrun) over a Medium Dark Green leather interior and equipped with a 1.5-liter flat-four engine paired with a 4-speed manual transaxle. The car is said to have been left untouched under the care of three prior owners before being imported to Poland by the seller in 2025. Highly original with a numbers-matching engine and transmission, this early 356 Cabriolet presents a very rare and special opportunity for restoration or preservation.
This Pre-A 356 showcases early styling elements, including a curved single-piece windshield, quad taillights, and wide, smooth fenders. The Kardex shows the Reutter bodywork was factory-finished in “Gelbgrun”, while the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity lists the color as “Green”. Equipment includes body-colored bumpers with chrome bumperettes, front driving lights, a driver’s side mirror, a fender-mounted antenna, a single exhaust outlet, and 15” slotted steel wheels fitted with baby moon hubcaps. The seller indicates the paint, wheels, and brightwork have been preserved in original condition, and an attractive natural patina is visible throughout. The cabriolet top is deteriorated and in need of restoration, and some rust is present on the floorboards, although there are no holes in the metal.
The cabin features Medium Dark Green leather seats with matching door panels, a body-colored dashboard, an ivory-finished two-spoke steering wheel, and a Bakelite gear knob. Other accessories include manual roll-up windows, a locking glove compartment, analog Viegel gauges, a dashboard-mounted clock, translucent sun visors, and a Telefunken radio. The seller notes the interior has been left untouched from its original state, and the gauges and electronics require refurbishment.
Power comes from an original 1.5-liter Type 546 flat-four engine with twin Solex carburetors, paired with a numbers-matching 4-speed manual transaxle. Stopping is handled by hydraulic drum brakes at each corner. The seller indicates the engine turns over, although a full mechanical overhaul is required to get the car driving.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a Kardex copy, and a Polish registration.
The seller would like you to know: “An exceptionally rare and highly desirable 1953 Pre-A with the iconic bent windshield — considered even more valuable and exclusive than the Speedster. A true collector’s treasure, with irreplaceable patina and unmatched authenticity.”
Comments (17)
@BTCAUTO this is incorrect. 11/54 is when they went to a 3 piece case. This car is not fitted with its original engine.
Bid in the amount of $20,356
It would be interesting to see where the production dates of the various engine components (carbs, coil, fuel pump, generator) fall relative to the build date.
Awesome car. Crude engine stamping/restamping notwithstanding, there is a lot to like on this one.
@kecho Thank you for your comment. Just to clarify, by 1953 Porsche had already moved from the early two-piece case design to the three-piece case motor, so this car is correctly fitted with a three-piece engine type for its year. As shown in the photos, bidders can review the engine details closely and make their own assessments. We are presenting the car exactly as it stands, and it remains a very rare Pre-A Cabriolet project with exceptional patina and originality in its body and interior.
This car would have come with a TWO PIECE case motor and it currently has a THREE PIECE case motor, with a poorly RE-STAMPED engine number... SAD, but true...:-(
@Potwell You are correct . Porsche moved production from Gmünd, Austria, to Stuttgart, Germany, in 1950, and the last Gmünd-built cars were completed in 1951. From that point forward, all production, including this 1953 Cabriolet, took place in Stuttgart.
Thank you for pointing this out — it’s always great to see knowledgeable enthusiasts engaged in the discussion.
@SPG356 I thought 1951 was the last year for Gmund built cars?
@mokrongly Thank you for your observation. The car was imported from the U.S. to Europe in April, 2025 by my client, who has brought in several vehicles from the United States. I will follow up with him to determine whether he has any additional information regarding its history in Milwaukee.
I could not help noticing the Zimdars service sticker. I am familiar with Harold Zimdars Porsche notoriety in the Greater Milwaukee Area and was wondering if you had any additional information about this car's time in Milwaukee. Thank you.
@BigBooter Thank you for your question. For vehicles over 25 years old, the U.S. import duty is 2.5%, and not 25%. The higher tariffs apply to newer cars or trucks, but not to classic vehicles like this 1953 Porsche 356. You would only need to account for the 2.5% duty plus standard shipping and port fees.
@seller - Ballpark shipping costs to bring this back to the US. Boston ports? Also - due to age, this would not have a 25% tarriff. Any idea what the tarriff leaving Poland is? Thank you@!
Thanks for the careful look and the correction. After re-checking with the owner, you’re right, this car has a one-piece “bent” windshield. The vertical line visible in a few angles is the cabriolet top tensioning rod seen behind the glass, not a divider post. Appreciate the knowledgeable input and the kind words about the car it’s a great project and we’re glad to keep the description accurate for all bidders.
I've looked at all the images and watched the videos. I believe you are confusing the cabriolet windshield tensioning rod for a "vertical center post" in the glass which makes it look like 2 pieces. Look closer, I believe you will see the that the windshield is one piece of glass. What a great find, it's going to make someone very happy. Good luck with the auction!
@SPG356 Thank you for your comment and for the opportunity to clarify. This car is indeed a split-windshield Pre-A Cabriolet. As visible in the photos and video, there is a vertical center post dividing the two panes of glass, consistent with the split configuration used on early cars up to 1952.
It’s possible the missing exterior cover plate on one side creates the impression of a later “bent” windshield, but structurally this is a true split screen. For reference, you can compare the design to period photos of early 356s, which show the same construction.
Regarding terminology, you are also right that “Pre-A” refers specifically to the Stuttgart-built cars prior to 1955 (while the earlier Gmünd cars are usually described separately). In this case, the car fits precisely into that Pre-A category.
I appreciate your attention to detail — it’s always great when knowledgeable enthusiasts engage in the discussion.
Neat car, good luck with the auction. A couple of nits to pick in the description. “Pre-A” model refers to the earliest *Stittgart* Porsche 356 cars built before 1955, the Gmund built cars are not referred to as pre-A. Also, this car has a bent windshield and not a split windshield as described.
Welcome, Bidders!
Thank you for joining this auction of a truly special automobile – a 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A Cabriolet Project. As many of you know, early Pre-A cars are among the rarest and most desirable in the 356 lineage, representing the very origins of Porsche’s legacy.
This project offers a unique opportunity for collectors and restorers alike to bring back to life a piece of history – a split-windshield Pre-A Cabriolet. With originality, rarity, and immense potential, it is the kind of car that does not appear on the market often.
I invite you all to bid with confidence and passion. Best of luck to everyone, and thank you for being part of this exciting auction!
Best of luck!