Porsche 356 Cabriolet

The 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A represents the last chapter of the first generation of the legendary 356, before the arrival of the 356 A. Produced for only a few months, this model is often called the “356 Transitional” because it maintains the aesthetic purity of the early models, but already anticipates some modernization elements that would become standard in its successor. Visually, the most striking change is the curved one-piece windshield, introduced in 1954 to replace the split glass and, later, the “bent window.” The bodywork, with its smooth, minimalist lines, still features details typical of the Pre-A, such as the small rear lights (beehive lights) and the “PORSCHE” logo on the front hood, positioned further away. The bodies were mainly offered in Coupé and Cabriolet versions, both by Reutter, with very limited production: around 1, 300 Coupés and only 200 Cabriolets in 1955. The 16-inch wheels were the most common, although some units were already beginning to receive the 15-inch wheels that would be standard on the 356 A. Mechanically, the 1955 Pre-A 356 used air-cooled 4-cylinder boxer engines based on the Type 546, much more sophisticated than the original VW of the early years. The following versions were available: the 44 hp 1300, the 60 hp 1300 Super, and the 60 hp 1500, the latter being highly appreciated for offering respectable performance for the time, with a top speed of around 170 km/ h. All models were equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, torsion bar front suspension and longitudinal arms, rear suspension with oscillating half-shafts, and drum brakes on all four wheels. Inside, the 1955 Pre-A retained the simplicity of the early Porsches, but with a more refined finish. The dashboard could feature two or three circular dials, depending on the version, accompanied by a large steering wheel in clear Bakelite. The seats, upholstered in leather or vinyl, offered improved comfort compared to previous years, and the elegantly arranged chrome trim and overall build quality showed increasing refinement. Thus, the 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A occupies a special place in the brand's history: it is the last of the “originals” and, at the same time, the harbinger of the evolution that would come with the 356 A. For collectors, it combines the raw, minimalist charm of the early phase with improvements in comfort and performance, as well as the exclusivity derived from its relatively short production run, especially in the Cabriolet versions. This ad was published by computer routine, all data is subject to confirmation by the seller.