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.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]