1951 Porsche 356 Coupe Sold Last Night for $1,017,500

[Steve Watson]

I didn't catch the very end, due to my iPhone running out of memory. But the bidding ended at $925,000 or $1,017,500 including the buyer premium. Likely is a world record for a 356 Coupe sold at auction.

https://youtu.be/4m8OKzC5kck

[tim noble]

Wow that is expensive for a car found in an asparagus patch.
Tim


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18-19 August 2017


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Lot 247

1951 Porsche 356 1500 Coupe by Reutter

Chassis no. 11111Engine no. 30069
$600,000 - $700,000

To be auctioned on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Rare and lovely early 356; finished in its original colors
Retains its original 1500 engine
Exceptional concours-quality restoration
Class award winner at Hilton Head, Winterpark, and Amelia Island
Factory Kardex and Certificate of Authenticity


Soon after the end of the Second World War, the brilliant Ferdinand Porsche began constructing innovative sports cars bearing his family’s name. These sophisticated cars compensated for their lack of outright power with sleek, wind-cheating lines. By March 1951, the firm had completed an astonishing 500 hand-built coupes and cabriolets; by the end of that year, 1,103 units had been built. Porsche’s air-cooled four-cylinder horizontally opposed powerplants had grown to just under 1,500 cc; this improved engine now used more radical cam timing and roller-bearing con-rods to produce about 55 horsepower with a pair of Solex carburetors.

This handsome little coupe, chassis number 11111, was completed 20 December 1951, finished in black and with engine number 30069, which it still retains. Delivered by Raffay in Hamburg, it was regularly serviced by the dealership through 1952. The following year, the car found itself in San Francisco, registered to the late Millard Smith. It is believed that he sold the car circa 1958. Little is known until the mid-1970s, when the Porsche was discovered in an asparagus field. Offered for sale in Porsche Panorama, the car was described as being mostly complete at the time. After several intervening owners, it was sent to Karosserie Ltd. in Virginia in 2006 to begin what would become a comprehensive four-year, documented concours restoration.

After bodywork was completed, the 11111 was repainted its original Black. Autobahn Interiors created elegant new seat covers and trim in Gray-green leather (true to the original color), along with complimentary square-weave German carpeting. The original Ivory plastic steering wheel, instruments, and other controls were properly restored and a new headliner was made. A period-correct Telefunken radio was installed. The original engine, only the ninth 1500 Type 527 production engine made by Porsche, was completely overhauled and a new camshaft and twin-pipe exhaust system sourced. A series-correct transmission was sourced and rebuilt. The steering and brakes were refurbished and a new wiring harness installed.

Today, this wonderful little 356 coupe, which is believed to have just over 50,000 original miles, is offered in stunning condition. In recent years, it has been judged Best in Class and received a Zuffenhausen Award at the 2015 Porsche Parade, and scored class wins at Hilton Head and Winterpark in 2015, and Amelia Island in 2016. It is supplied with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, along with a copy of the factory Kardex, correct spare, and tools.

No serious collection of Porsches would be complete without a top-flight early 356; here is the perfect example.

[Charles H Jacobus]

Wonder what made it that special?

ChuckJ

[Adam Wright]

Restored by Lewis Hauser, if you want the best, go to Lewis, he can now say he built a million dollar car.

[George Kehler]

Wonderful car with a peerless restoration. Wondered if it should have solid wheels. Great color combo. When two people want the same car, anything is possible. Congrats on the sale !! George

[Drew Ogden]

When is the last time a split window made it to the auction block, and not just sold privately? They are in a different league than the bent windows, it is nice to see the market finally reflect that....

[Steve Watson]

Here are a few photos I got of it in the daylight.

https://goo.gl/photos/2rGmnkqXnX42n3Wy6

[Joris Koning]

Love the antenna on it

[Tony Proasi]

Wondered if it should have solid wheels. Congrats on the sale !! George

Intrested to also hear the consensus on this question..

[Jim Liberty]

Yes, solid wheels. Just an opinion. NEVER say always.

[Bil Brown]

My old 10960 had solid wheels

[Ed Lawrence]

Wow!

There was a 1957 Carrera Speedster being auctioned at Bonhams this past June that did NOT sell at $1,064,201.

Listing here - https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24120/lot/218/

[Jim Liberty]

I am always (Yes I used the word) on the hunt for a Pre-A car. Especially Euro. delivery 52s or earlier. I'm just finishing a '55 Continental, and It took me a year to find it. When it comes to Speedsters, there are many on the market all the time. Still the "Darling" car for collectors. BTW, I just got back from Monterey, The Saulter reverse door roadster was there. Talk about rare.

[Steve Watson]

RM Sotheby's just reported "World record for a Pre-A Porsche 356".

[Scott Halperin]

I feel special. I have that some drip pan under my 356!!