356 Ashtray A or Pre A

[Geoff McCord]

I'm hoping one of the knowledgeable experts can provide the answer here. I have advertised the ashtray recently in the Classifieds ( sorry can't easily post the image here) thinking it was a "Pre -A" version as it was unpainted, with no evidence it was ever painted. I got a note from another member suggesting it was an "A" model ashtray. Could someone who knows these parts well help identify it so I can ensure I am correct in my description and asking price.
Thanks for any help
Geoff

[Rick Albro]

Geoff,
There are a couple things to look for: what is the spacing between the holes for the Knob? 20 mm is early pre A 16mm is late pre A... next there is an evolution of the uvula... early just has a "bump" but late going into A style has a roller. The slide mechanism for the try itself also changes... I looked at your ad and you most likely have a late pre A - early A style ashtray. Probably 55-56?

uvula.jpg (134.93 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

distance early versus late.jpg (292.96 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

My image might be backward the earlier ashtray has the wider spacing for the water fall knob. The A style knob has a shorter hole distance. The earlier waterfall knob has brass inserts but the later A style knob does not, the bolts go directly into the plastic.

[Geoff McCord]

Rick, Your comments are very much appreciated, particularly that you took the time to load the photos to help with the explanation. Mine looks like the one on the left above and I'll check the measurement.
Many thanks
Geoff

[James Davies]

The 356A ashtray is significantly smaller (narrower) than the pre-A one, and the inner tray has little rollers either side that roll against the box it slots into. (at least most I've seen are like this)

Some of the 356A ashtray face plates were chrome. Probably early ones in 1955-56? 55614 for instance has a chrome one. Some other earlier ones do not. The 356A face plate is not perfectly rectangular either - it is ovalized on top and bottom. The 356 one is rectangular.

Also the chrome surround on the 356A tray case shows less when the tray is closed. More overlap with the face plate.

See photo below for 356 and 356A ashtrays.

[Trevor Gates]

Some of the 356A ashtray face plates were chrome. Probably early ones in 1955-56? 55614 for instance has a chrome one. Some other earlier ones do not.

Hi James!

Have you seen more than one claimed original 356A ashtray that is chrome? I’ve never heard or seen this before.

[James Davies]

Trevor, I don't! I don't follow 356A stuff as much as others. I bet Joris would have a better handle on this.

Here's 55614. Car has original interior, paint, etc. Though I do notice that it's garnish rails are chrome too, which makes me suspect now.

[Jules Dielen]

bling bling! nice carrera... chrome horn ring too!

[Martin Benade]

Chrome door tops sounds like a problem!