Description
Porsche 356 B Coupe 1600
Brand: Porsche
Model: Porsche 356 B Coupe 1600 – 60 BHP
Year: 1962
Chassis: 120981
Engine: P608238 / 616-1
Displacement: 1600 cc
Odometer: test
Certifications: Historic Relevance Certificate issued by Automotoclub Storico Italiano
Interior: black
Exterior: ruby red
Notes and detailed description
Splendid example of a Porsche 356 B Coupé 1600 with 60 BHP from 1962, one of Europe’s most iconic sports cars in automotive history and a fundamental model in the evolution of the Stuttgart marque ahead of the legendary Porsche 911.
The unit, chassis no. 120981, has been completely restored with a full refurbishment completed in 2021. In the same year the car was registered for the first time in Italy.
Since the restoration, the car has covered only the initial test kilometres required to verify the proper operation of all components, never really used on the road.
Restoration and condition
The restoration was carried out starting from the completely bare bodyshell, following criteria of historical fidelity and artisanal quality, with meticulous attention to every detail.
• Mechanical system entirely new, currently still in running-in phase.
• Upholstery and interior trim entirely new, made in accordance with the original Porsche specifications of the era.
• The car has been cared for down to the smallest details by marque specialists.
• Biannual mandatory periodic inspection regularly carried out, valid at the time of delivery at our showroom.
Accessories and equipment
Among the most fascinating accessories on the car is a valuable period Blaupunkt car radio, perfectly in line with the equipment available in the 1960s and today highly sought after by enthusiasts for authenticity and collectible value.
Historical certificates
The car is accompanied by the Historic Relevance Certificate issued by Automotoclub Storico Italiano, one of the most important Italian attestations for historic vehicles.
This certificate recognises:
• the historical and collector value of the automobile,
• conformity to the original characteristics of the model,
• and guarantees its suitability for registration as a historic vehicle of national interest.
Technical features of the model
The Porsche 356 B 1600 represents the evolution of Porsche’s first generation sports cars. The B model was introduced in 1959 with technical and aesthetic updates compared to the previous A series.
Key technical features:
• Engine: air-cooled flat-four
• Engine position: rear
• Displacement: 1, 582 cc (1600)
• Power: 60 BHP
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Chassis: steel monocoque
• Drive: rear
• Layout: compact 2+2 coupe
Thanks to its light weight and perfect weight distribution, the 356 offered a brilliant dynamic behaviour, quickly becoming one of the best-loved sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
Model history and rarity
The Porsche 356, produced between 1948 and 1965, was Porsche’s first production car. Initially designed by Ferdinand Porsche and developed by his son Ferry Porsche, it represents the origin point of the brand’s sporting philosophy.
During production, just over 76, 000 examples were built across all versions of the 356, making these models particularly sought after on the classic car market today.
The 356 B series (1960-1963) introduced major improvements:
• redesigned and taller bumpers,
• improved suspension and brakes,
• greater comfort and build quality.
Today, restored examples with proper certification, like the one presented here, are highly valued by Porsche collectors and enthusiasts, not only for their beauty but also for their pivotal role in the marque’s history.
