Porsche 356 Pre-A
The 356 Pre-A is the genesis of the Porsche brand, offering the purest expression of the iconic sports car. These early, hand-built models are highly prized by collectors, with values that vary significantly based on rarity and originality.
Porsche 356 Pre-A sold for a median of $206,700 over the last 12 months, based on 14 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $162,249 and $264,875. 28 currently for sale.
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Porsche 356 parts
Porsche 356 Pre-A prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | $218k | – | 1 | 4 |
| 1952 | $199k | $140k–$235k | 5 | 0 |
| 1953 | $184k | $171k–$235k | 9 | 7 |
| 1954 | $186k | $174k–$227k | 6 | 3 |
| 1955 | $223k | $169k–$296k | 18 | 14 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The 356 Pre-A is the car that started it all for Porsche, built from 1948 to 1955. Production began with about 50 aluminum-bodied cars in Gmünd, Austria, before moving to Zuffenhausen, Germany, where bodies were switched to steel. These early cars are defined by their two-piece 'bent' windshields, which were later replaced by a single-piece V-shaped 'knick-scheibe' windshield for the 1952 model year.
Collectors prize the Pre-A for its direct connection to Porsche's origins and its pure, unfiltered driving experience. It's the most elemental version of the 356, lacking the refinements of later A, B, and C models. The rarity of specific variants, especially the early Gmünd coupes and the American-market Speedster, makes them exceptionally sought after. Their hand-built character and historical significance are key drivers of their value.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest concern. Pay close attention to the floors, battery box, longitudinals, and the bottom of the doors and fenders.
- Originality is king. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity is essential to verify matching-numbers engine and transmission. Documented history dramatically impacts value.
- Pre-A specific parts like 'beehive' taillights and correct dashboards are incredibly scarce and expensive. Confirm the presence and condition of these unique items.
- Inspect the body carefully. Gmünd cars should be aluminum, Zuffenhausen cars are steel. Check for signs of past accident damage like poor panel gaps and excessive body filler.
310 Porsche 356 Pre-A vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 28 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Porsche 356 Pre-A cost?
Over the last 12 months, Porsche 356 Pre-A sold for a median of $206,700 across 14 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $162,249 and $264,875. There are 28 currently for sale.
How many Porsche 356 Pre-A listings are for sale right now?
There are 28 Porsche 356 Pre-A listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.
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