• A desirable ‘Pre-A’ variant of Porsche’s legendary 356
• Retains its matching-numbers 1,488 cc air-cooled flat-four engine
• First delivered to Emich Kyrill, 7th Prince of Leiningen
• Accompanied by a copy of its factory Kardex and a book documenting a previous restoration

From its early days in the old saw mill in Gmünd to its return to Stuttgart, Porsche went from little known outfit to manufacturer of substance while the 356 only grew in popularity. It was a model in almost constant flux, enjoying endless revisions that made it ever more desirable. By 1954 the car benefitted from a new air-cooled Type 528 1,488-cc flat-four engine that produced 70 horsepower, and a four-speed Getrag gearbox with the comparative luxury of synchromesh.

According to a copy of its factory Kardex, this 356 1500 S Cabriolet was completed on 26 March 1954 and first delivered via Richard Gramling of Karlsruhe to Emich Kyrill, 7th Prince of Leiningen. A desirable ‘Pre-A’ example, it was finished in Graphite Metallic over a Cord with Beige leatherette interior and featured special equipment including a radio, antenna, reclining seats, a Bosch fan, fog lamps, and chrome wheels. It further benefitted from windscreen washers and a fuel gauge—options that had only recently become available. While little is known of the car’s early history, the Kardex states that its second owner was a Mr Cooper of Mannheim, Germany further noting that by March 1959 the car had covered 5,368 kilometres.

Today, this Porsche presents in ivory over red and shows signs of a previous restoration, while it retains its matching-numbers Type 528 engine. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mu23.