Highlights
- Smart & very usable 356B in factory correct spec
- Dry state USA car
- Recent £8,000 recommissioning
- Very rare electric factory sunroof
- MOT to February 2024 with no advisories
- Desirable 74bhp 1600cc ‘S’ model
- Porsche Certificate of Authenticity provided in the history file
- This vehicle meets Ulez emission standards
The Appeal
Porsche’s remarkable 356 received little fanfare until it was discovered by amateur racers. They latched onto what Ferdinand always knew, ever since he supercharged his personal Beetle: that a small lightweight car didn’t need vast reserves of power to be slay much bigger cars.
The 356B received the T6 body from mid 1962 which updated the aesthetics and is most easily distinguished by the twin rear grilles and larger rear screen. The 1600 S was fitted with the more powerful 74bhp version of the Type 616 1,5882cc flat four Porsche engine.
Recently imported from Florida and comprehensively recommissioned at a cost of over £8,000 covering electrics, brakes and servicing, this lovely 356B is in factory-correct, very usable condition. It is fitted with a very rare electric factory sunroof and comes with the reassurance of MOT to February 2024.
History and Paperwork
- Originally a USA car and Florida certificate of title included in file
- Imported to the UK in early 2023 and just one owner since
- Acquired by the seller in February 2023 following extensive recommissioning
- Reproduction driver’s manual included
- Some UK invoices as shown in history file
- Reported to have had few USA owners
- Dry stored by vendor throughout tenure
- Porsche correspondence verifies matching numbers, colour scheme and specification
- This confirms the car was constructed on 30th May 1962
- Invoice dated 20th February 2023 for £8,379 covering dynamo fuel gauge and oil gauge work, attention to brakes and a full service
This car’s fascinating history file confirms that it was originally a USA car built on 30th May 1962. This makes it a very early T6-bodied car, one of 899 built in the first half of 1962 according to records. The paperwork helpfully confirms the car is a matching numbers model and the factory specification. It also indicates that it is a Reutter-bodied car.
We are told that the car had few owners in the USA, latterly residing in dry state Florida before being imported to the UK in early 2023. It was acquired by the vendor in February 2023 when it received considerable recommissioning by a marque specialist. This is carefully detailed in the photographs.
The Condition
- Ivory over red leatherette finish which is factory correct
- Good, solid condition verified by MOT but with only minor marks noted in photographs
- We are told that the bodywork is original and is rust free but has been repainted
- Fitted with very rare electric steel sunroof
- Sits smartly on chromed steel wheels
- Underside in good order with no structural advisories on last MOT
- Factory correct interior in good, very presentable condition
- Later classic-style radio fitted
The 911 may steal plaudits as the classic Porsche shape, but as these photographs show the profile was established by the 356. This car is a pleasing blend of originality and patina with a welcome solidity that is verified by its advisory-free MOT.
It is also factory correct, the ivory over red leatherette finish working particularly well and in generally very good condition. There is a very rare factory fitted electrically operated factory sunroof and the useful addition of front seatbelts. A classic-style radio completes a very usable and attractive classic coupe.
The Mechanics
- 1,582cc 74bhp S model with twin carburettors
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Extensive recommissioning including brake work
- Recent service with very few miles covered since
- New battery wi be fitted prior to sale
- We are told the car runs and drives well
The evolution of the 356 always stuck true to the original principles of a small, lightweight sports car with just enough power to be entertaining. The 1600S was a particular sweet spot in the range, reflecting that ethos but adding in a dab more power to dial up the drama.
This car was extensively recommissioned at a cost of over £8,000 following its arrival in the UK. This work covered a full check over and rectification of fuel and oil gauges. The brakes were also attended to and the car fully serviced. It has covered very few miles since, giving the buyer the opportunity to benefit from that comprehensive attention.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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