Description
This lovely matching numbers 356 was originally purchased by the well respected 356 restorer Roger Bray who brought 3 cars in from South Africa in the late 80’s, a Cabriolet, Speedster and Coupe. He fully restored the C coupe in the early 90’s.
It has its original letter of authenticity( LOA), export registration, Rogers 1993 condition report and some photos of the rebuild in 1996. It was then in storage for a fair period of time so there are no older pictures than the restoration ones and the ones prior to being sold to the new owner in 2022.
Around 3 years ago the car was featured with the respected Jay Emm for his YouTube channel where he drives it and sings its praises and it clearly shows the amazing condition its still in today. I have added a link on my web site to view.
Here is a brief summary from the owner prior to the current owner I am selling it on behalf of.
1. Car was delivered to Lyndsay the official VW-Porsche importer/ dealer based in Johannesburg, South Africa 20 December 1964
2. Export documents show it was registered in 1965
3. As the story goes…the car was to be imported to the UK as part of a collection of ‘old’ cars and was deliberately declared under market value to avoid import duty. HM Customs & Excise had contacted Roger Bray for a valuation of the Porsches (Coupe, Convertible & Speedster). The Coupe, Speedster and Convertible - were acquired by Roger Bray who acted on behalf of HM Customs in the sale process.
4. Car was registered in the UK 1 May 1992
5. Car was purchased by Porsche enthusiast, Malcolm Richardson, 4 December 1993.
6. After 3 years, Malcolm was in the market for a Speedster so sold the car to me 29 June 1996 (Malcom acquired a Speedster and is now living in the South of France)
7. I had been looking for a ‘good’ RHD 356 for years...
8. On purchase, I took the car to Roger Bray (July 1996) for a review, service and general re-commissioning; Overhaul of all running gear, steering box, damper, brakes, new Koni shocks, wheel bearings, carb kits, brake hoses and lots more. At this time, we discussed condition of the car as it was considered very original and as I wanted it to "last forever” we decided they only way to know its true condition was to plastic media blast the car back to bare metal and repair/ re-paint using modern paint materials.
9. The car was extensively overhauled Sept-Nov 1996. It’s fair to say that everything possible was done, including a full gearbox re-build, carbs sent away to be ‘re-newed’, blasted, painted, re-trimmed, new brightwork etc. The only things that were not done were; engine re-build, seats, door frame chrome.
10. Engine: The car had 6, 000 miles approx on the speedo when imported. The engine was checked for compression etc and we noticed it had a new front crankcase cover fitted. Also, the speedo was a 912 unit and we thought it may have been changed when the engine had been re-built. The speedo was changed for a period-correct unit showing approx 44, 000 miles.
11. I had a new exhaust and heat exchangers (supplied by Roger Bray) fitted by my local Porsche dealer in Aberdeen.
12. Following a MOT failure in 2003 (indicator repeater rate too slow and play in front king pin) the car has stored in my garage. Originally in a carcoon bubble, then in my heated garage.
13. I had lost confidence in the local Porsche dealer to work on the 356 and didn’t know of anyone nearby. Work and family commitments (and other cars!) took over...
14. Meantime, the car was used by Porsche for the opening of their new body shop in Aberdeen and by Zymol as a show car for it paint protection products
15. During storage, I would occasionally start the car and take it for a quick spin around the neighbourhood.
16. The car has never been wet (other than a rinse to get any dust off) since re-furbishment in 1996
17. I have only done 3, 000 miles approx since 1996, oil changed at least 5-6 times in that period.
The car was then purchased in 2022 by the current owner Mr A Green as part of a small collection of classics. Living relatively locally to Roger Bray here in the South West, Allan and myself (Era classics) went to see the car prior to purchase and Roger enthusiastically told us all about it.
It had just been through his workshop having the usual comprehensive health checks in preparation for sale. It still looks stunning and amazingly feels restoration especially for an older restoration but with subtle aged patina. Allan has also continued to store the car in a Carcoon and has decided to sell the 356 to make way for a racing Alfa for period racing such as the Millie Miglia.
In preparation for sale, Allan has once again taken the car to Roger Bray for an extensive full service and health check ensuring its in fine fettle ready for the new owner to enjoy immediately.
Full photos and video walk around available upon request
MOT with no advisories 15/ 06/ 2026
Selling on behalf of a customer
Nationwide/ worldwide delivery can be arranged
