In October 1952, Porsche announced a new performance variant of the 356 featuring an uprated Type 528 motor. The 1500 Super was the apogee of early 356 development, and the rarity of unrestored examples makes this long-garaged car, accompanied by a period-correct replacement engine, a particularly enchanting find.

Finished by the factory in Radium Green, chassis 50161 was dispatched to the US, and an original sales contract shows the car was purchased in July 1956 by Alan Kemp of Janesville, Wisconsin. A prior owner had painted the roof in British Racing Green, but the car was otherwise in highly original condition.

Mr. Kemp drove the Porsche for eight years before the car was parked in anticipation of a rebuild. In the mid-1970s, the owner’s son installed a 1,300 cc Volkswagen motor and brake assemblies; however, this 356 is accompanied by a period-correct replacement engine, as noted in the Specifications section below. The 356 was driven briefly in 1976 before being garaged again until 2017. Now displaying a warm patina, this 1500 Super would make a strong candidate for preservation-class display or a full restoration. It should be noted that thorough maintenance will be required before the car can be driven. Also accompanied by period sales brochures, this garage-find 356 benefits from the originality characteristic of a six-decade ownership, offering marque enthusiasts an impressively pure example of Stuttgart’s classic coupe.