Rare Aluminum 356 1500 Pre-A Cabriolet Reborn
This recently restored 356 Cab is one of just 394 built with an aluminum body.
Rare Beauty
To the casual observer, this 1953 Porsche 356 1500 Cabriolet may look like just about every other 356 out there in the world. But in reality, it's one of just 394 produced with an aluminum body by Karosseriewerke Reutter. It's unusual for a drop-top to be fitted with a lightweight alloy body from this time period as well, making this particular car worthy of the masterful restoration it was recently treated to.
Photos: Porsche
Unsolved Mystery
Porsche conducted intensive research in its own archives, as well as Reutter's, but couldn't quite figure out why this car was built. Thus, we're left to simply speculate. One possibility is that a member of the Association of Mechanical Engineers (VdM), founded in Cologne in 1892, ordered the car in this configuration, perhaps wanting to investigate whether small-scale aluminium production might be worthwhile. However, this theory can no longer be verified.
Photos: Porsche
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Expensive Experiment
After the first vehicles were made of aluminum in Gmünd, production moved to Zuffenhausen where the decision was made to build steel sheet bodies because they were lighter, cheaper, and easier to make. Gläser-Karosserie GmbH wound up filing for bankruptcy following this failed experiment, but not before this one-off Cab was delivered to the well-known Porsche dealer Glöckler, in Frankfurt in July 1952.
Photos: Porsche
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Unknown History
Little is known about the car's history after that until it was offered for sale in 1970. At some point, the 356 wound up in Germany, when it was sold with the stipulation that it would be restored by the new owner. Six years ago, the buyer kept that promise, and the car was treated to an extremely detailed and correct redo that it truly deserves.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this rare 356 1500 Pre-A Cabriolet right here in Rennlist.com.
Unique Challenge
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this rare 356 1500 Pre-A Cabriolet right here in Rennlist.com.
Careful Process
"After an initial stock-take, it was clear that this unique vehicle had to be completely dismantled," Sprenger said, "and although the car was complete, we naturally had to overhaul every part and check that it was working properly." It goes without saying that questions and problems arose during the team's research. How could contact corrosion be avoided? Why did the fittings on the seats not function as they should? And, "how can we keep as much of the old substance as possible and restore the vehicle to its original condition again?"
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this rare 356 1500 Pre-A Cabriolet right here in Rennlist.com.
True Survivor
Needless to say, after many man-hours and careful thought, this incredibly rare and unique 356 is looking better than it ever has. The fact that it has survived all these years is truly notable as well, especially since it started life with little chance to do so.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this rare 356 1500 Pre-A Cabriolet right here in Rennlist.com.
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