This is a 1953 coupe (#50187) which has been restored from ground up. The restauration was done by my father-in-law and myself over a 6-year period. We bought the car late 2000 from someone in PA, and got it shipped over to Europe. The car's condition was not as good as we anticipated, with a considerable amount of metal work needed and a lot of parts missing. In the same purchase came also a restored 1600cc engine (#P712482), and a very incomplete 1500 cc block. For the time being we use the 1600cc to enjoy the driving of the 356.

The car was originally black, but we decided to use another period correct color, ie Pascha Red, which in reality is close to aubergine, and not the brownish red as it appears in the photos. For the seats, we used tan leather and corduroy. Over the years we gathered all missing parts, and were able to finish the car to its present state: it was a long time, and a lot of work went into the car, but it was definitely worth it and we have done it with great pleasure.

Fred van Doorn
Registry member #14539