Paul Russell and Company is proud to present this highly original Porsche 356 1500S Pre-A Coupe which has been in continuous, single-family ownership from 1953 – 2023. It was delivered new by the Hoffman Motor Car Co. to its original owner, Lawrence Lowell Reeve, on April 6, 1953. A copy of the original Porsche build sheet (Kardex) notes the engine number as 40227, and the exterior paint color as schwarz. A copy of the original 1953 Hoffman Purchase Contract confirms that chassis no. 50234 with engine number 40227 was ordered in black with a beige corduroy/leather-trimmed interior, and a factory radio. These details remain true of the car today.
Lawrence Lowell Reeve was a very successful architect and entrepreneur with homes in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts and Mt. Desert, Maine. He was a partner in the architectural firm of Anderson, Beckwith, Haible and Reeve, designers of commercial buildings and educational institutions. He was the owner of Seamloc Loma-Loom Carpet Company of Sanford, Maine, makers of residential and commercial carpeting. Additionally, he developed a significant amount of real estate on Boston’s North Shore.
Mr. Reeve also seems to have served, on at least one occasion, as an unofficial regional sales manager for Max Hoffman as evidenced by his acquisition of a second 356 Super in Adria Blue, by his holding company, Essex Trading Company of Manchester, MA. This second car (50158) was purchased on April 6, 1953, the same day as his purchase of 50234. It is presumed that Mr. Reeve sold the second Super to either a friend or client of his company.
50234 was enjoyed by Mr. Reeve until his death in 2002 when ownership transferred to his children. His daughter recalls her father telling of a minor accident less than a year into his ownership. While driving on a snowy night along the coastal town of Ipswich, MA, a Volvo he was following abruptly stopped in the road. A letter to Hoffman Motors soon after explains the damage to the nose of the car which also includes a detailed parts order. The order is complete with the Porsche factor part numbers for each item and infers a standing line of credit with Hoffman, lending further credence to his special relationship with the famous importer.
This very early 356 remains in startlingly original condition. It is a “numbers matching” car that maintains its original engine (set aside for safety) with a replacement Porsche 912 engine installed in the car for spirited driving. The original interior remains in exceptional shape with no major wear to the leather or corduroy. A set of original seat belts were installed in period and remain with the car today. Paint work is noted from the repair to the car done in 1954. The black lacquer paint shows small blemishes but remains in very good condition for 70 years old. As an unrestored Pre-A with long-term, single-family ownership from new and 36,000 original miles, it is very rare opportunity for any Porsche enthusiast to obtain a very rare and special car. It benefits from a recent mechanical freshening by Paul Russell and Company and accompanied by services records outlining the work completed.
We are proud to offer the opportunity to a new owner to obtain such an original, well documented Porsche. It is sure to be a star at any Porsche event, road rally or collection.