* Vendor supplied images
**Please note that Vendor will pay all applicable UK registration fees and duties prior to handover of the vehicle. The car will be supplied with a UK registration number.
**Please note that Vendor will pay all applicable UK registration fees and duties prior to handover of the vehicle. The car will be supplied with a UK registration number.
Highlights
- Attractive and usable restored 356B
- Recently imported from Kuwait
- ULEZ, MOT and tax exempt
The Appeal
The beautiful 356 evolved from Ferdinand Porsche’s travels in a supercharged Beetle. On those trips he realised that small, light cars with extra power could be just as fun – if not more fun – than bigger, heavier and more powerful motors.
It is an ethos that still underpins Porsche’s sports cars and it all began with the beetle-esque 356. Porsche’s first car continuously evolved during its 17 year lifespan, the ‘B’ arriving in mid 1962 with the revised T6 body. This can be easily identified by the twin engine grilles and larger rear window.
This smart 356B began its life in the USA before being exported to Kuwait from where it was recently brought to the UK. Displaying evidence of a fairly recent restoration, it looks like a very usable and solid example of these diminutive, rewarding sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
- Unfortunately we know little of this car’s history or chassis date
- The body detailing show that it is a post-1962 T6-bodied 356B
- We understand that the car originated in the USA
- It was recently imported to the UK from Kuwait by a Porsche enthusiast
- Will require UK registration, which will be done prior to handover of the vehicle.
- Once registered should be ULEZ, MOT and tax exempt
The Interior
- Usable interior with cream leather seats in good order
- Carpets appear to be relatively new and well finished in light beige
- Protected by rubber overmats
- Classic VDO dials with green decals
- 1980s Sony radio cassette
- Good headlining displaying no sagging or marks
- Light stains to rear seat backs
- Attractive leather-bound three spoke Porsche steering wheel
The 356 set the template for all sporting Porsches with its simple array of dials arranged around a central rev counter. The metal body-coloured dashboard enhances the sense of function over form. This is a car designed to be driven.
There is evidence of investment across the interior, including the well presented cream leather seats and matching carpets. Although there are some marks on the dashboard paintwork this is a well presented interior.
The Exterior
- Restored bodywork refinished in non-standard green
- Attractive whitewall tyres with chrome hub caps
- Good panel shut lines and straight bodywork
- Neat details like exhausts exiting through over-riders
- There are a few minor scratches and chips but nothing noteworthy
- Badging, lights and chrome work present well
The 356 was for a long time overshadowed by the 911, but as this smart 1964 example shows it is a handsome and evocative design.
This car appears to have originally been red but was restored during its time in Kuwait in mid green. The paintwork retains its shine and while there are some very minor chips and a couple of scratches none detract from the overall finish.
The lights, chromework and glasswork present similarly well with no visible tarnishing or misting.
The Mechanics
- 1,600cc air-cooled OHV flat four Porsche engine
- Bullet performance exhaust system
- 4spd manual gearbox with synchromesh on all ratios
- Evidence of recent investment in the engine compartment
Thanks to very low weight the 356 doesn’t need oodles of power to be entertaining. The classic rear-engined set up also helps make a trip in any 356 hugely entertaining.
The joy of the 356 is that many of the mechanicals are Volkswagen derived and relatively simple, which makes owning one of these cars particularly rewarding. Unfortunately we know little of this car’s maintenance history but there is evidence in the engine bay of recent attention.
Summary
Enthusiasts are rediscovering the joys of the 356 and values are raising accordingly. This is great news because it is where the Porsche story begins. In many ways is the purest iteration of Ferdinand’s original thoughts on a small, lightweight sports car.
This smart and usable 356B is ready to be fully enjoyed.
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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