Chassis No. 11185

Engine No. 1282882

Transmission No. 15990

Early "Pre-A" 356s are amazing machines, the very foundation of the Porsche experience. The times were different and the 1,100cc or 1,300cc engines and non-synchromesh transaxle, evoke the spirit of a bygone era – sporting, purposeful, and simplistic driving. The legacy of this 1952 Porsche 356 Pre-A Split-Window Coupe is captivating. Chassis number 11185 was originally finished in the extremely rare shade of Moor Green and delivered to the world-famous Glöckler dealership in Frankfurt, Germany, as verified by its Kardex. It was later discovered by well-respected East Coast Porsche enthusiast and racer Peter Brittingham, known by many as "Liverman" for his race team and his dedication to the cause of organ donation. A labor of love for over a decade, Peter restored and reimagined the forgotten 356. The Reutter body was restored as from the coachbuilder, painted an attractive shade of blue, and paired with correct Pre-A matching bumpers. The interior was refinished to correct specification in brown and tan, with vintage-style corduroy bucket seats later added for additional support, although the original-style seats remain with the car and are included in its sale. But the drivability is far superior to the original, with Mr. Brittingham utilizing a 1,600cc engine sourced from a Porsche 912 paired to a later Type 644 dual-mount synchromesh 4-speed transaxle. The "pea-shooter" exhaust is the essence of racing 356s, and the suspension is set up with track use in mind, with Koni Classic shocks and a heavy-duty front sway bar. A rollbar and competition harnesses reveal the competitive nature of this 356, as do the numerous event stickers and accompanying VSCCA logbook.

With both the historic nature of an early Split-Window and the sporting nature of a vintage racer, this 1952 356 Coupe is a true dual-personality Porsche – as at home in a driving event as it is in any collection, to be admired for its purity of form and stunning finishes.