1962 Porsche 356B

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.

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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

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