1956 cars with USA bumper trim, please step up!

[Brett Johnson]

In April 1956 the first Speedster with USA bumper trim 82556 (with the chrome plated tubes) was built. The first "factory recorded" coupes and cabriolets were built in September 1956. So, I want to know about cars (all models), so equipped, built between April and September of 1956. If you are unsure of the build date, I'll try to help. You can always contact me directly 356drb@indy.net.

[David Pateman]

According to my Kardex data 58031 invoiced 1956 11 26 was the first to note USA Stoßstangen. None of the earlier 1956 cars imported by Hoffman in this VIN series have this noted.

[Brett Johnson]

Actually first coupe noted is 57394 in September of 1956.

[David Pateman]

Do you have the Kardex for 57394? Both 57409 and 57414 Kardex do not mention the USA bumper.

[Brett Johnson]

Even if your April - September 1956 car has the four US bumper holes for the supports and no actual bumpers -- I'll believe it.. Just step up and share! Kinda like Brother Love, you know... Hallelujah!

[James Davies]

Does the moving of the signal lights further down from the headlights correspond exactly to those cars that were USA delivery and had the USA bumpers? Certainly moving the signal lights down happened for all cars, USA-bound or not? Or is that what you're trying to figure out?

[Brett Johnson]

My understanding is that the signal lights/horn grilles were moved down so as not to be obscured by the new US bumpers. I'm trying to figure out when they were actually put into production after the April-built Speedster that is illustrated in the Porsche Speedster Typ 540 book. US cars that have lost their bumpers would still retain the four round holes for the bumper supports.

[Spike Jones]

My first 356, a '56 coupe, has the over-rider bars. Vin # 56561.
My wife's brother has it now.
I don't know the build date.

[Brett Johnson]

That is going to be around May 1956, which is possible, but very early. Do you have or can you get high-res. photos? You can send them to me at: 356drb@indy.net

[Mike Vollmer]

Kardex for #82336 showes date 6-6-56 sent to Hoffman no US bumpers. Car has no holes.

[Jim Stephenson]

82361 build date 6/15/156 US car never had the overider supports.

[Brett Johnson]

Progress, progress -- any July or August cars?

[Jim Stephenson]

82426 Speedster US car never had the overider supports.

[Vic Skirmants]

82616 did not have them either.

[Jim Karaba]

Speedster 82871 Dec of 1956 does have over rider bars