How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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David Austin
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How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#1 Post by David Austin »

If the manual has "W 32 - September 1957 Edition - Printed in Germany. Author of German Citizenship - 5.58 GI" on the first page does this confirm authenticity ?
Many thanks.

Jan Kolm
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#2 Post by Jan Kolm »

No. There are official reprints from the 1970s that look original, including the white spiral binding. They are often advertised online as originals

However, original manuals have 42 punched holes, top to bottom, while the official reprints have 33.

The unofficial, black-and-white reprints have black spiral bindings, like 911/912 manuals and have 41 holes, top to bottom.
Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

David Austin
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#3 Post by David Austin »

Hi Jan,
Thank you for this information.
I have found two one that looks like its just been printed but claims to be original with white plastic ring binding. The other looks well used with what looks like black plastic ring binding.
Any comments?
Thanks

Edwin Ek
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#4 Post by Edwin Ek »

Jan, that is great information!
#6386

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Jim Alton
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#5 Post by Jim Alton »

Good advice indeed, but not all 911 manuals have black bindings.
W 312 e   Edition I/65
W 312 e Edition I/65
 
Jim Alton
Los Angeles County, CA
1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet
1965 Porsche 911 Coupé
1966 Volkswagen Type 2
2003 Porsche 986 Boxster

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Alan Hall
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#6 Post by Alan Hall »

Der White indicated that original 356A manuals had black spiral bindings and that the factory reprints from 1960 on had the white binding. I believe this is correct.

Jan Kolm
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#7 Post by Jan Kolm »

In summary:

Vertical format: 42 punched holes, top-to-bottom
Horizontal format (911/912): 29 holes, top to bottom

Black binding: 1956-~1959. ~1966-
White binding: ~1959-65
Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

David Austin
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#8 Post by David Austin »

In spite of the good advice I still got caught out. I bought a manual sold as 1957 but it was actually a 1964 reprint. It was in super condition and I will send it back so nothing lost. I now ask for a photo of the print edition page.
David

Curt Crowell
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Re: How can you tell a 356A Drivers manual is genuine

#9 Post by Curt Crowell »

David-I think this page is what you're looking for, came with my '57 coupe. Curt Crowell
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356A Drivers Man Sept. '57 edition.jpg

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