Highlights
- Gorgeous grey with red interior colour combination
- Major restoration in 2011-12
- Letter of Authenticity from Porsche GB on file
The Appeal
The Porsche 356 has enjoyed cult status virtually from the day it was launched in 1948. After a significant update in 1955 with the 356A, the 356B was introduced in 1950. Motivated in part by increasingly demanding safety regulations particularly in the USA, the 356B had raised, stronger bumpers and raised headlights that noticeably altered the car's frontal appearance. Quarter light vent window in the doors and hinged rear windows enhanced interior ventilation.
Now amongst the most sought after of the early Porsches, a 356 is a “must have” for any serious Porsche collection. This example has benefitted from a full restoration and remains in excellent condition throughout.
The Exterior
- Repainted in grey colour during restoration
- Superb mirror finish
- Smart Porsche 15 inch wheels and hubcaps with matching tyres
It is thought the gray paint was refreshed during the restoration between 2011-12 and it still looks bright today with an excellent glossy shine and finish. During our close inspection we did notice a couple of areas that will require attention before too long as the paint appears to be lifting from the surface although the paint itself has not split. One is on the nose, between the bumper and the luggage space. The other is on the body near the shut line of the engine cover on the passenger side, where there is also a chip in the paint on the body. Apart from these areas the finish is excellent as can be seen in the photographs.
The glass is all excellent with no chips or cracks. The windows operate correctly as do the pop out rear windows and the front quarter lights which were a new feature on the B model.
The wheels are model correct 15 inch polished steel wheels which bolt directly to the finned brake drums. They all have correct centre hubcaps with Porsche badges, and are fitted with recent Firestone F-560 tyres with plenty of life remaining.
The Interior
- Retrimmed in red in 2006
- Original dash with correct green instrumentation
- Smart black carpets
From the letter from Porsche GB in 2010 we know that the original interior colour was blue, and looking through the invoices on file we think that it was treated to a re-trim in red in 2006 at which time the carpets were also replaced. Still looking smart, the red seats are clean and presentable with very little wear and no damage. The black carpets have aged equally well and show only light wear. Lifting the carpets reveals clean new floor panels that were replaced as part of the 2011-12 restoration.
The dash and instruments look to be mostly original, with the gauges all being correct for the year. The plastic radio delete panel appears to have been damaged on the edges, but overall the painted dash area shows just age related marks. There are wear marks on the steering column, and some oxidisation on the instrument bezels, but only what you would expect on a car of this age. The steering wheel is clean and without cracks, again with only age-related wear to the centre boss badge.
The red door cards are smart and free from scuffs, and the headlining fits well and is tight with no sagging or marks. The front bonnet luggage space is clean, and with a matching spare wheel with Firestone tyre correctly stowed. The fuel tank looks to have been replaced or repainted at some stage.
Overall the interior is smart and presentable with some newer parts, but retaining plenty of originality.
The Mechanics
- Replacement floor panels in 2012
- New inlet manifolds and gaskets to be fitted by time of sale
- Comprehensive service carried out just 138 miles ago
Mechanically the Porsche was “on the button” on the day we visited, starting easily and moving around for the photos without faltering despite the heat. Having been driven only occasionally in the past months (too many cars) it would probably benefit from a good long run. The original 1500cc 60hp motor has been replaced with a later (1962) 1600 S motor which produces 75hp. It’s also worth mentioning the vehicle was treated to new heat exchangers when the floors were done. The most recent itemised invoice on file runs to 3 pages. It is for a comprehensive “B” service at a cost of £1,918 carried out at 37,768 miles, so that is a mere 138 miles ago. The engine bay is clean and tidy, and the underside, complete with new floor and sills is like new.
The seller has done a lot of recent work including, new inlet manifolds and gasket, fuel tank refurbishment, fuel pump rebuilt and new Tachometer cable. With early VW simplicity and Porsche engineering the 356 benefits from both, and once properly sorted these 356s are renowned for their reliability. We think this example should prove to be a good case in point! Recent new inlet manifolds and gasket, fuel tank refurbishment, fuel pump rebuilt, new Tachometer cable.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured by Porsche in September 1959
- Early Type 5 356B built to American specification
- Body by Reutter
- Sold in the USA in October 1959
- Imported into the UK in early 2000s
- Registered as 332YUB in 2010
- Letter from Porsche GB dated 2010 confirming chassis number and build date
- MoT from 2010 with mileage at 35,200
- Invoices from 2006 onwards
- Converted from 6 volt to 12v electrics
- Invoice for major “B” service at 37,768 miles
- Invoices from 2011-12 for major restoration
- Replacement floors and other panels in 2012
- Porsche 356 Photo Album book
- Original and rare 356B Sales brochure
Summary
Jump behind the wheel of a Porsche 356 and you can feel the DNA that runs through to today’s Porsche 911 (992). The Porsche road car story started right here, and there will always be those who would like to own and enjoy the model that started the dynasty.
This lovely example is likely to be a good investment, not purely monetary, but also for the sheer driving pleasure that these early Porsches have to offer.
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