1952 Porsche 356

Vehicle Description

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For your consideration is this California Black Plate registered 1952 Porsche 356 “Split Windshield” Cabriolet, chassis 10266. Built April 22, 1952 this was the 4th from the last Split window Cabriolet made. Original US delivery car, through Max Hoffman, and delivered with Interim bumpers. It’s believed only 40 US delivered split window cabs were made, and according to the registry there are less than 10 still in existence. The Kardex and the COA confirm this Split Cab was delivered with factory equipment including Telefunken Radio, Antenna, Comfort Seats, Vented wheels, Cooling rings, Reinforced bumpers, Tachometer, and Speedometer. Unlike most other split window 356s, chassis 10266 still maintains a lot of originality. One of the most notable features being its original floor. The undercarriage is 73 years old and mostly untouched. A very honest example. This could be one of the only cars that still has its original floor and has not seen a “full” restoration. Other originals details include the original door panels, rear interior side panels, switch gear, and many small lights, lenses, and trim.

Since acquiring 10266 in a trade deal one year ago, we have done the following; had the front and rear seats recovered is carefully sourced leather that very closely matches the original red leather features still in the car. We had a new top installed with the most correct materials we could source and in the correct Brown color. The headliner was sourced in Germany while the top was hand made here in the US. When we received the car it came with a lot of parts that had been gathered over the years for the car. A new rear window, window frame, sun visor, and many rubber gaskets. were sourced from Reinhold Plank. The correct rear view mirror and dome light were also included. These have been fully restored by Victor Miles. We had them properly installed on the center bar. The top, interior, and some corrected details combine for a huge overall improvement in the cars aesthetics.

Here is a quick write up regarding the history of the car taken from the previous owner. “Not much is known about the early history in the 1950s and 1960s, but it does have California Black plates and has been registered in California since the 1960s. In the mid - 1970s this 356 was advertised in the Los Angeles Times and purchased by a California Highway Patrol officer who also had a 1952 356 Coupe. In the late 1980s, the 356 was purchased by an avid Volkswagen Bus collector who worked with Tom Birch, a leader in the 356 split-window registry and a key figure in helping preserve the early cars. Birch helped with the mechanics and installation of a new wiring harness. In the late 1990s, the 356 changed hands again and ended up at Victor Miles's shop for some light restoration work.”

The previous owner that we obtained the car from purchased 10266 in Redwood City, CA in 2008. He spent a lot of time and money getting the car back on its feet. The engine was professionally rebuilt by Dave Merz to Super specs. Brakes and all systems were gone through. Gauges were restores by North Hollywood Speedometer. Etc. This Split Cab is ready to be enjoyed. We have added roughly 300 miles under our ownership. The car will come with a service history file, clean CA title, BOTH original CA Black plates (front not pictured) which are still current and have been going back to the late 60’s! Porsche COA, copy of the Kardex, and a box of a few spares and new rubber gaskets from Reinhold Plank. Please call or message with any questions.