Vibrant red paintwork with partially-original red interior
1600cc engine
Nearly-complete project
Runs and drives as-is
The Appeal
The Porsche 356 was designed in the mid-1940s, and produced until 1965 when it was replaced with the 911. As such, the 356 is considered by Porsche to be its first production automobile, and with its historic nature aside, it is also one of the most visually alluring. Designed as a light and nimble rear-engine rear-wheel drive two-door car, it proved to be a huge success, propelling Porsche to where it is now as a leading sportscar manufacturer.
The 356 was built in four distinct series, the original Pre-A cars, followed by the 356 A, then the 356 B, and finally the 356 C. In 1959 the T5 B was released, featuring a significant evolution in styling from the A cars. With an exterior more suitable and targeted at the American market, Porsche had updated the front and rear bumpers as well as the headlights to be higher up on the body to meet American regulations.
This 356 T5 B is currently in a “running and driving project” state. While it still has some finishing touches to complete the car, it does run and drive as it sits. With most of the vehicle’s missing pieces coming along with the sale as spare parts, this project is just begging to be completed. Weather you have big plans to restore this to an original style state, or head down the Outlaw route, the vehicle is an excellent starting point as it is. clafDgXerWVYrCb622bldPPNZxkuQzj7WxTKvHno.jpg801.76 KB
The History and Paperwork
Purchased several years ago by the first owner in the UK, with current owner as first registered owner
Imported from the USA, dry stored since
Vehicle underwent a restoration by previous owner
MOT/Tax exempt vehicle
Letter of Origin commissioned in 2022, confirms original VINs, unfortunately not numbers matching
This 356 comes from the USA. While the history file is nearly non-existent, we do have a few key pieces. The majority of the ownership took place in the USA, with the previous owner importing it to the UK, where it was partially restored. Under their care, it was repainted from its original Aetna Blue to the red colour it is now. The owner states that parts of the original interior were also kept, and can be seen as the darker red carpet colours in the rear. At some point, the original engine was replaced with the 1600cc unit that resides there now. The owner states it runs strong on its current Zenith carburettors, and is all set to put on the miles.
The vehicle can be confirmed to have been dry stored since the restoration process had taken place, and was first registered last year with a tax/MOT exemption. The owner also notes that the doors, bonnet, and chassis numbers match, but the rear boot lid does not.
In addition to the vehicle, there is a selection of spare parts that come with the sale, as pictured. The original bumpers with chrome overriders will come with the car along with the fitting brackets. There are also bonnet straps, both bonnet and boot lid latches, wiper motor, quarter glass and trim, original steering wheel, rear seat covers, and a few other smaller rubber seals which will be included in the sale. hH9PX4f4WDCcw79zMTRsKyDinE30kZF0uA2n23H6.jpg626.92 KB
The Interior
Complete interior fitted in restoration, non-original
All electrical equipment said to be in working order with the speedometer working intermittently
Excellent condition overall
When sat in this 356, the engineering presented in front of the driver is a work of mechanical art. The gauges are presented clearly, with big bold dials and an ergonomic prowess reminiscent of a fighter plane. The owner states that oil temperature and tachometer both work but the speedometer works intermittently. They also state the indicator stack does not spring back into place, and ‘floats’, requiring the operator to manually return it to the centre position.
The black and red interior featured in this car has a certain elegance which perfectly suits the sporty red exterior. The overall feel of the interior is heavy with period styling, but not overly gaudy or even remotely over-bearing as such. It’s an elegance that is not often reflected in more modern cars.
The overall condition of the interior is excellent, with both the carpets as well as the seats having been replaced more recently. It’s complete with all the garnish rails and door cards preset. The owner states there’s a mix of old and new carpet, with the darker carpet being older. The front seats are period but not original to the car, and fitted with Willans harnesses. The interior trim is well composed, and in good condition. The headliner is in a clean and clear state but could do with some adjustment as it is sagging a bit unevenly in some places. There are no sun visors present. The carpets show no holes or scuffs.
The front boot is in overall excellent state, but the battery lead wiring could be cleaned and tidied if desired. No signs of corrosion were present, no smells of fuel, and no leaks seen. P3YSxmW8nrm2bMCTU12kzxeANKFGgIniFK6HpWdu.jpg442.22 KB
The Exterior
Exterior repainted to a good standard in restoration
Exterior trim in used but fair condition, some parts not installed but present in spare parts
Straight body with only minor imperfections
The paint is relatively tidy apart from a few scuffs and chips, notably in the lower bits of the vehicle, as pictured. The trim and rubbers are in a used state, and the rubbers are on their way to deteriorating, but there are a fair few replacement rubbers coming along with the sale that are in good usable condition. There are a couple of small dings in the front bumper, right in the middle near the bottom as pictured. The paintwork itself does show some visible “spider webbing” when the sun hits it in specific ways, but from a distance it still shines with plenty of gloss. The fitting of the panels and overall straightness of the body does show some age, but would not require any immediate fixing to enjoy.
The chrome work is all complete and in fair condition. The passenger side door quarter glass needs fitting but is in good condition. The glass itself is in usable condition with only minor road marks, and two rock impact chips on the windshield, which may need attention. All of the badges, accents and details are in top condition. While the door handles are both present, there are no keys present to lock them. The owner states it is well looked after and only comes out of the garage in dry conditions. It’s no concourse car, but it certainly relates a charming amount of character in its patina and overall visual condition.
The replacement wheels are in a great state, and all intact with no signs of misuse. There’s still plenty of tread on the tires as well.
The owner states that all the indicators, head and taillights, brake lights, and hazards are all working. The wiper motor needs fitting and will be included in the sale.
The underside is in a clean and cared for state, nearly no evidence of any surface corrosion, and no signs of set-in rust seen. The floors and inner arches are solid. There is some peeling paint here and there, but none of this would concern us, as overall it is surprisingly clean for its age. TMSSVuWvJQfORJmWGiA0ayY2EsAUH0autooVlTno.jpg965.61 KB
The Mechanics
Still very fresh from restoration, owner states the vehicle is in complete working order mechanically
Owner states engine runs flawlessly on Zenith carbs
Extremely tidy engine bay
While we don’t have physical record of maintenance or servicing for this one, the current owner states the steering, braking, and acceleration all perform as to be expected for a Porsche of this year. It’s fit to please and ready to run. The vehicle selects all gears, and the engine runs strong. All the brakes and suspension components are in good working order as it has new KYB shock absorbers, wheel cylinders, and brake pipes fitted from the restoration. The only thing mentioned by the current owner is that the handbrake is not holding very well.
Popping the rear bonnet open, the engine compartment is in good order for its age. The owner does note that the engine bay lid does show a repair near the latching area. The owner states there are no leaks, and no smoke or unusual noises to note. The transmission connects smoothly in all gears, and the engine pulls hard and sounds healthy. rnVLTuVHdr17REu6mIOAeR8G1S8KKoKWZFFDYKaP.jpg564.73 KB
Summary
This is rare opportunity to own and drive a completely lovable and full-of-character 356 T5 B. This is a solid and mostly complete base for your next restoration or Outlaw project with a bit of TLC. It is a unique and endearing car that would fit right into any Porsche fan’s garage. As a true sports car, it is also an excellent buy for any enthusiast who wants to enjoy the feel and raw prowess of an early Porsche, in the vehicle that set them on the map, and laid the groundwork for the 911 and indeed has contributed greatly to the Porsche we know today.
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.
