While early 356s were built at Porsche's Gmünd facility in Austria, by 1950 the company had outgrown that site and duly relocated production to Stuttgart. Alongside this move, the coachwork was newly overseen by Reutter, who switched the body material from aluminium to steel, and the first Cabriolet versions were built. Ongoing mechanical and cosmetic improvements meant that, by 1953 the 356 featured mounted bumpers, a one-piece ‘bent’ windscreen to replace the earlier split-window design, a synchromesh gearbox, and an optional 1,500-cc air-cooled flat-four engine that significantly boosted performance. These early 356s were later dubbed ‘Pre-A’, following the 356 A’s introduction in 1955.

The accompanying copy of the Kardex sheet confirms that this 356 Pre-A ‘bent window’ Cabriolet was completed on 29 June 1953. One of only 394 examples of the drop-top to be bodied by Reutter in 1953, the Porsche was delivered to New York via famed importer Max Hoffman. Specified with the more potent 55 horsepower motor, the car was configured in the smart combination of Modegrau (Fashion Grey) with a Blue leather interior and Blue canvas soft top. It additionally featured the stylish quadruple ‘beehive’ tail lamps, which were introduced for the 1953 model year.

Little is known about this 356’s early history, though it was exported from the United States to Europe during the past decade. The car then moved to Italy before being acquired by a German owner in December 2014. The consignor purchased the Porsche in July 2023 and, the following summer, treated it to a thorough mechanical recommissioning. The engine, clutch, electrical system, and brakes were all serviced by M&W Classic of Markgröningen, Germany at a cost of €10,287.

Presented in beautifully restored but factory-correct form of Fashion Grey over Blue upholstery and retaining its matching-numbers 1,500-cc flat-four engine, this attractive 356 Cabriolet—which is accompanied by a spare wheel and tool roll—is sure to appeal to Porsche enthusiasts.