Porsche’s first production automobile, and therefore their very first sports car - the 356 represents strong beginnings for the giant German marque. Lightweight, nimble handling, rear-engined and rear-wheel drive makes for one of the best drivers cars you can experience from this time period - and puts up a pretty good fight against the modern stuff too, with much, much more style.
This handsome example is presented in arguably one of the best colour combinations available, and has a plethora of paperwork pertaining to the history of the vehicle. Thanks to a body and paint restoration undertaken between December of 2003 - December of 2004, the car is extremely well presented and has kept all of the important ‘356-ness’ acknowledged by the cognoscenti which can sometimes be lost in the restoration process of a 356. Steve Kirwan - Porsche 356-2.jpg2.07 MB
The History and Paperwork
Assembled in the Porsche factory on the 23rd of June 1961
Sold brand new by Max Hoffman Motor Corporation in New York exactly two months later on the 23rd of August 1961
In 1970 the vehicle was exported to Guatemala, where its first refurbishment was completed
Re-sold in 1976 and then again in 1986
Stoddard Porsche of Ohio, USA, rebuilt the engine in 1980 with invoices available on file
The vehicle was exported from Guatemala to the UK in 1988, where it was then painted red and registered with the DVLA in November of 1993
Current owner of the vehicle acquired it in August of 2003
Body and paint restoration between December 2003 - December 2004, finished in Polar Silver
In 2008, the vehicle returned to the UK roads
In the summer of 2008 the 356 drove from the UK on a return trip to the Old Timer Classic, Nordschleife, Germany
Certificate of authenticity, stating the vehicle was originally finished in Ivory paintwork
Clymer Porsche owners handbook and service manual are both present with the vehicle
Toolkit and spare wheel are present
A thorough collection of restoration photographs
Various American, Guatemalan and British registration documentation are present
Upholstery refurbished to factory specification and upgraded to leather
Original sun visors and instruments
Schroth three-point harnesses
Folding rear seats
Coco over mats
Exquisitely presented. The original specifications for this 356 interior was red leatherette, which has since been replaced with proper red leather for a more luxurious interior trim matching the factory spec. A welcome and much appreciated upgrade over the original leatherette.
Upon opening the drivers side door you’re welcomed with a flood of red leather, which all appears wonderfully presented with seemingly no signs of any damage and very little use. All of the stitching and piping remains perfectly. Accompanying the seats are two sets of Schroth three-point harnesses to properly hold you in place in these otherwise bolster-less seats, and adding to the sporty aesthetic of the 356. Just in front of the driver's seat, the silver and black three-spoke steering wheel is well presented with little signs of use, and the gauges just behind are all functional and remain easy to read. The silver dashboard panel is free from any scratches or damage and the original switchgear all functions as it should with good surrounding brightwork.
Rear folding seats remain in excellent condition and appear to have almost no signs of use - which is probably the case since the refurbishment. Original tan leather belts remain in situ in good condition, and the coco over mats are well preserved with no signs of damage throughout. The headlining remains well kept, with no signs of any damage or sagging throughout and the stitching lines are all still completely intact. The original sun visors do show some signs of age however no damage is present on them.
Both door cards are in good shape with the red leather showing no signs of any damage, and the brightwork handles remaining in lovely condition with functional window rollers.
Overall, this is a very handsome example of a 356 which has clearly been cherished and adored over the years and the passed hands. Original interior specification with correct upgraded materials makes for a very charming place to be, it’s quite easy to fall in love with this.
Unmistakably Porsche and unapologetically handsome. This example underwent a body and paint restoration back between 2003-2004 and to this day it looks absolutely fantastic due to the low mileage covered since.
Starting at the front of the Porsche, the paintwork has been very well maintained since its restoration with no notable defects present that are worthy of calling out. Brightwork remains clear with a high level of shine that will get you reaching for the shades upon admiration, and the headlights are free from any damage and remain completely functional. The front clamshell and the bonnet appear to be free from any dents and the panel gap matches that of factory specification.
Moving around to the side of the 356, all four of the 15” steel wheels appear to be in a well presented manner and all shod in Firestone F-560 tyres with plenty of meat left on them for the new custodian. The paintwork here is well maintained with only some very small imperfections such as very small blisters or chips at the bottom of the doors - however that’s about it. Panel gaps around the doors are consistent, and the brightwork trim appears to be very well maintained just the same as the front bumper.
To the rear of the vehicle, the story remains much the same with good paintwork with very small hints of blistering. The rear bumper is in excellent condition with good untarnished brightwork, and the rear lights are undamaged and in working order. The original Porsche 1600 emblem remains on the rear, giving a gentle hint of age which is a charming touch, and the rear engine vent on the engine cover remains well kept with all straight fins.
What a handsome example this is, the body and paint restoration carried out in the early 2000’s has worked wonders for this little sportster, and remains in lovely condition with only very gentle hints of time gone by. Some restorations carried out on these older Porsche’s make them lose a lot of their character, but not here, this has been expertly done and remains as charming as ever.
Engine rebuild in 1980 with little miles done since
Subtle welcome upgrades
This 356 is reported to be in excellent mechanical health with plenty of invoices and paperwork to back up the maintenance undertaken on the vehicle over the years. Back in 1980, Stoddard Porsche of Ohio completely rebuilt the engine and we’re told that since then it hasn’t covered a whole load of miles and is only driven sparingly for enjoyment.
The vehicle benefits from a few welcome upgraded components such as Koni Classic shock absorbers, a steering damper, as well as a dual-circuit brake master cylinder all to make the vehicle a little more friendly to live with. The steering is reported to remain excellent and precise as you would expect, the brakes remain firm and strong and the suspension presents excellent capability with no unwelcome knocks or clunks during use.
Since the acquisition of the vehicle, the current owner states that the car has been largely self-serviced, being serviced twice per year regardless of use, using SWEPCO 306 oil, OEM filters and NGK spark plugs. The most recent service was carried out in November 2022, including the engine oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and contact breaker point replacements. The owner does note that an engine service would be beneficial before driving the vehicle to keep it in line with its previous schedule.
A wonderfully preserved example of a staple in Porsche's automotive history - this car guided them onto the path they’re on today and therefore they have become a fantastic asset to have over the last few years with prices being on the up-and-up. This little Porsche would be a welcome addition to anyone's collection, ready to hit the road and turn some heads in delight as it wooshes past. A sure-fire way to put a permanent ear-to-ear grin on your face.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
