" Porschewagen Typ 356
1600 Limousine "
Confirmation of order placed by my grandfather's brother, Capt. Roderick Thompson USAF, July 19, 1957.
Here is the original work order for the car attached to the above letter.
Here is the invoice received for the car when completed Stuttgart 13.8.57 (August 13, 1957).
In case you don't read German, the translations have been provided. Note how they discuss the car being done before the traditional Porsche August vacation, making it a true 1957 Model Year Vehicle.
Upon the passing of the original owner, Roderick Thompson, the car was passed on to his brother James, my grandpa. Grandpa later passed the car on to me, the current owner. I wanted to document the cars history so I ordered a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
For the money paid, Porsche's Certificate of Authenticity was a disappointment. Note the ?wrong model year ? and even after I advised them I believed it was wrong on the phone and email and requested a corrected Certificate, I got not response at all. Still no correction received or explanation, I am so disappointed :-(. So much for customer service, it has been more than a year now I guess I will have to call again. For now I will just go with the original documentation, it is correct, but not the same as having a "Porsche Certificate of Authenticity", but it is cheaper than the incorrect Porsche Certificate of Authenticity that cost too much money to be incorrect by any account.
Maybe I will email them this site link as proof of the model and year of the car.
?Which model year is it?
I have been told many things:
1-The August "Holiday"at the Porsche Plant separates the model years of the car Sept. starts a new Model year.
2-The year of delivery or contract signing with the buyer can determine the model year.
3-The model year listed on the title determines the model year.
4-The model year listed on the registrations determine the model year of the car.
5-The date of completion on the metal build plate determines the model year of the car.
6-The dates stamped on the parts through the car are a good indicator of the model year.
7-The VIN table accurately reflects the model year of the car.
(1)I have determined my car was completed and delivered before the August Holidays in 1957 by family accounts and the documents from the original purchase.
(2)The contract was signed and the purchase came to fruition in 1957.
(3)The titles through the years all read 1957 for the vehicle year.
(4)The model year on the registrations likewise reflect a 1957 model year.
(5)The metal build plate in the trunk is stamped completed in early August 1957.
(6)Many items including the gas tank, original wheels, and gauges are stamped 57.
(7)The reference VIN tables also list the vehicle as a 1957 Model 356A, Pre-T2.
I think I will call it a 1957. I really see no reason not to or evidence to support the contrary, so please take no offense to my conclusion as it is the best one I can reach. Furthermore, many experts (knowledgeable persons on the Porsche 356 Registry) vetted out their opinions and drew the same conclusion after much debate and research in the online forums.
Old cars need lots of love and someone who cars enough to help you when it comes to finding parts and information. I have found Klasse356 to be the most responsive and helpful. I believe we need to help point each other in the right direction with our "Tubs" and their needs, so here is one good lead.
Flashback to an old Road and Track write up.
http://klasse356.com/
Talk with Ed and tell him Jon sent you.
Site Page Index
(1) Documents and Historical Facts
(2) The Tear Down
(3) Out with the Old
(4) Der Silberne Blitz ~Reborn~
(5) Modifications and Customs
(6) Der Super 90
(7) Stroker 2180, an Outlaw power plant
(8) Not an Outlaw, Just a Sleeper
(9) The Story
(10) About the Original Owner (Uncle Rod)
(11) About the Second Owner (Grandpa Thompson)
