Review and Test drive for the first time in 42 years. Adrian Crawford and Graham Kidd take this 1954 Porsche pre A 356 out on the road.
What a fabulous moment. unrestored true barn find.
KEEP IT AS IT IS........this 356 has stories to tell, this 1954 Pre-A coupe has a unique persona.
Retaining so many of its original features, it has a character which could never be recreated.
It's only when you look at the details that you start to appreciate what a good 356 this is. The shut lines, the multi directional flowing curves of the bodywork and the beautifully hand-rolled inner edges of the wings, all things which are so hard to remake if lost.
The chrome window trim and door handles may have lost their shine, but they are original, as, it seems, are the interior door fixtures and fittings. The dials are clear, the dash has the ashtray and glove box. The rest of the interior, aside from the headlining, appears to be authentic for a 1954 Pre A; steering wheel, seats and door cards, interior light and rear view mirror.
The paintwork is obviously historic, although not original. It possesses an eccentric patina; shiny bits, rough areas, crazing and ticking. Run your hands over it and you can identify a lifetime of adventures.
Originally USA delivered, its windscreen sticker suggests that it has been slumbering in a Texas barn since 1978/79.
We have carried out a mechanical overhaul ensuring this 356 drives really well and safely. Servicing the motor (a 1600 cc unit from 1958) with new spark plugs, points, oil and filter, distributor cap, HT leads, carb springs and fan belt. We have renewed the engine and gearbox mounts, clutch cable, cleaned the fuel tank and renewed the fuel pipes and fuel filter.
New king pins, link pins and bushes for the suspension. All new metal and flexible brake pipes and hoses plus brake master cylinder, new wheel cylinders and fresh brake fluid.
All the wiring has been checked, renewing the 6v battery plus 4 new tyres.
We feel there are 3 options for this 356: one would be a total restoration, stripped down to the bare bones and rebuilt with new paint, re-chromed and reupholstered and made to look brand new. The second would be a light restoration, a repaint to its original colour of Turkish red with some refurbishment and re-trimming here and there.
The third option is the one we would choose.......conserve rather than restore. Simply enjoy it as it is, use it and drive it. This 356 has such presence and charm, it would be a great shame to lose all that originality.
Whatever its future, Williams Crawford are here to assist in any choices the next owner makes. We have our resident 356 expert, Graham Kidd, to guide you.
This offers a remarkable opportunity to own an amazing classic Porsche.....call or email now.
Worldwide shipping available.