Highlights
- Rare right-hand drive example
- Built and delivered in July 1960
- Appealing black over burgundy colour scheme
- Solid car with scope to improve
- Fitted with 1963 1.6litre flat four engine
- Interesting running project to recommission
The Appeal
It all began with a supercharged Beetle. Ferdinand Porsche was sold in the idea of a light sports car with a small engine and the result was the 356. Distinctive yet functional styling made these unusual sports cars immediately popular.
This is a 1960 356B - identifiable by its single rear grille - that appears to be an original RHD car, first registered here in 1970. The black over burgundy colour scheme is very appealing, augmented by wide profile steel wheels and a pair of auxiliary driving lights.
The car is solid and presentable and could be enjoyed ‘as is’. However close inspection reveals some investment in the paint would pay dividends. There has been recent fettling and it runs, but will require some recommissioning due to a fault with the gearbox. It is fitted with a later ‘63 1.6litre flat four 87bhp engine.
Opportunities to buy a RHD 356 come along rarely. Ones that provide an opportunity to improve and finish to your specification, even less common. For the right collector, this looks very tempting.
History and Paperwork
- Reported to have been built on 25/07/60 and delivered on 29/07/60
- 356B with six digit VIN introduced in 1959
- Only for sale because the owner’s circumstances have changed
- Unfortunately there is little history with the car
- DVLA records show first UK registration on 22nd June 1970
- Two registered keepers since first UK registration
- Current keeper since 20th July 2022
- Rare RHD 356B car
- 1 set of keys
- Fitted with a 1965 356 1.6litre engine
- V5c in current keeper’s name
- Vendor advises that the car requires some recommissioning
Recent work since vendor acquired the car:
- Battery replaced
- Addressing corrosion areas
- New rear screen seal
- Engine lid cable
- Fuel lines cleaned
- New front brakes
- Rewiring to ignition starter switch
The Condition
- Bodywork is generally solid and has not been altered much over the years
- Some light repairs have been carried out on the driver's underside
- Black paintwork appears to be factory correct as no noted colour change
- We are told that the car retains most of its original panels
- The exterior bodywork is acceptable but could benefit from a repaint
- The paintwork is fair but would benefit from a repaint to restore its former glory
- Paintwork shows areas of flake, microblistering and chips
- 15in steel wheels with wide profile tyres in fair condition
- Smart burgundy leather interior in aged but very presentable condition
- Cabin appears to be unmodified with smart mph VDO dials and period radio
- The interior is complete but could use some rework at some stage
- Underside appears in solid condition with evidence of undersealing
The Mechanics
- 356C 1963 87bhp 1,582cc flat four Porsche engine
- 4spd manual VW gearbox
- Various fettling undertaken by seller since 2022 detailed above
- Issue with gearbox which vendor indicates may not be matching numbers
- Gearbox will need attention to make the car run well
- Engine runs well but will need some recommissioning
- The brakes and reported to operate correctly
- Appears to be sitting on raised suspension to accommodate wider wheels
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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