Rear Wheel Arches for MY53

[Martin Langer]

The wheel arches on my 53 Coupe were altered significantly by a PO. I am trying to find the correct design for my restoration project, especially for the rear wheel arches.

Referring to Dr. Johnson’s new book, it states for the rear fender on page 53 (quote): ‘There was change at coupe chassis 50405 and cabriolet 60086 in April 54, shortly after horn grilles were added to the nose. This corresponds to an opening up of the arch profile.’

In many other areas, however, the April 54 changes are – correctly - listed with coupe VIN 52030 and cabriolet VIN 60550. So, can anyone please explain, when the change in the rear wheel arch profile occurred?

Thank you!

[jonathan devereux]

Hello Martin, this may not be any use to you at all !!. I own model 52 coupe 1148x and model 52 cab 1500x , both produced l believe , during June of 1952. Both cars have their original rear arches intact with no repairs. The cab arches are a full 4cm's higher than the coupe, the width and profile are near enough the same. I am restoring a 50 coupe at the moment which has even lower arches but this might be the case, i have just copied of the of the remains of the original. I have probably created more confusion but will hopefully instigate some debate with those that know more than us mere mortals. Good luck with your money pit !!

[Rick Albro]

The change to the 54 model year did happen at 52030 as you say. The change in rear fender arches occurred at 50405 per the 54 parts manual. 50405 is a car that has been describe as "dead" and was probably made in March of 53.

[Spencer Harris]

James Davies sent me this period photo a few years back contrasting the two profiles. The early style in the foreground with a near vertical rear edge and the later style to the rear showing a more angled rear edge. Probably only a few degrees, but visibly different. Second photo is a rear fender from Trevor' Hammer Works http://www.356panels.com/index.html for my mid-August '53 cab with the newer profile. Trevor has patterns for the earlier profile as well.

1954 Porsche Owners Rally.jpg (428.41 KiB) Viewed 859 times

DSC_0296 (Large).JPG (249.82 KiB) Viewed 859 times

[James Davies]

Martin, the change in profiles happened in April 1953, not April 1954, as Rick points out. It's a typo in Brett's new book (and corrected in subsequent printings I'm told).

Rick, your car has the early profile. You should add that profile to your plot. Would *love* to see that.

James

[Trevor Gates]

Just so we’re clear here... I think it’s possible that’s Ferry Porsche in the driver’s seat and that car has Rudge wheels intended for a 550/Spyder. Notice the holes flange out, not in.

[James Davies]

Yup, that's Ferry and yes, those are 16" Rudge.

[Trevor Gates]

[Martin Langer]

Complete information and a great picture, all within 24 hours! Wonderful and thank you all very much!

Just for clarification, Rick, that I understand your profile chart correctly:
i) The blue profile is for Pre-A’s from VIN 50405 on and the red profile is for A cars? OR
ii) The blue profile is for Pre-A’s from VIN 5001 to 50404 and the red profile is for Pre-A‘s from VIN 50405 with rear fender part # extension ‘A’?

BTW, the picture of the Porsche gathering was taken in the courtyard of ‘Schloss Solitude’ just outside of Stuttgart. The location was used for many Porsche ad pictures. You cannot access the yard with your private car any more without prior permission and $$$donation.

Martin