THE APPEAL
The 356’s design, simplicity, and lightweight construction are responsible for the huge Porsche success story that followed. Its distinctive looks and unique driving experience defined the Porsche brand, and changed the sports car market forever. Today, it’s no surprise that with that heritage to bear, the charming little 356 has become hugely desirable and collectible.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Rare and desirable RHD Super 90
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Great history file
• Restored
• Desirable original colour combination
• Documented period participation in Monte Carlo Rally
• Ideal Porsche 356 for future rally upgrades or to enjoy as is
With a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its production completion date of 15.02.63 and first registration on 10.05.63, this 356 is accompanied by its lovely original buff coloured log book confirming its first UK delivery to Faversham, Kent. Documented previous owners include Nick Faure – ex racing driver and hugely respected Porsche aficionado. The good history file provides a good insight into its interesting past, and would suggest that the current odometer reading of 84,149 miles appears to be supported, although we can not guarantee this.
Now very rare in right hand drive form, this example has been restored to a very high standard, with the Slate Grey and red colour combination feeling so right for a 356 of this era. With its characterful appearance and so many period details intact, it evokes a wonderful aura and presents in overall suburb order. As a car well known and previously sold by us, it comes highly recommended, and will be nothing short of a pleasure to own.
HISTORY & PAPERWORK
• Original buff coloured log book
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Collection of historic MOTs
• Good collection of period maintenance invoices
• Historic V5s showing a number of documented owners
• Invoices for parts relating to the 2009 restoration Roger Bray & Stoddard & CD of images
• Dyno reading from 2020 confirming 90+ hp
• FIA registration papers dated 1989
• FIVA registration papers dated 1994
• Photographic record of participation in Monte Carlo Historique
INTERIOR
The Red leatherette interior is stunning throughout. With so many period features, quality of finish and attention to detail, it really is a lovely place to be. The combination of the contrasting red with Slate Grey painted dash and chrome detailing make this one of the most welcoming and desirable we have seen.
EXTERIOR
The restoration has been carried out to a high standard, making for a very solid, useable example of this T6 model, the last variant of the 356B before the introduction of the 356C for the 1964 model year. Identified over the previous T5 (1959-1961) principally by the twin grille on the engine cover, larger windscreen and rear window.
MECHANICS
Mechanically well-sorted, the history file shows a Dyno test record from 2020 confirming the engine is still producing 90+ hp. By comparison, the first Porsche 356 had a power output of 44 hp – less than half of this Super 90, which can provide for some entertaining, spirited driving and would be particularly well suited for rallying.
PORSCHE 356 MODEL HISTORY
The first Porsche 356 rolled off the production line in Stuttgart in 1950. Production ran until 1965 when manufacturing ceased, by which time over 76,000 examples of various model designations had been produced.
It was Porsche’s first production vehicle, with an evolution starting with the 356 now referred to as the Pre-A, the 356A introduced in 1955, the 356B in late 1959, and the final series 356C introduced for the 1964 model year. In each form, they were built predominantly as either Coupe or Cabriolets. The Karmann-bodied Notchback coupes and cabriolets (1961-62) are especially sought after now, as is the limited production four-cam racing ‘Carrera’ version introduced in 1954.
The 356 was created by Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche – company founder). In 1972, during a PCA magazine interview, he summarises his thinking behind the concept as: “I had always driven very speedy cars. I had an Alfa Romeo, also a BMW, and others… By the end of the war, I had a Volkswagen Cabriolet with a supercharged engine, and that was the basic idea. I saw that if you had enough power in a small car, it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered. And it is more fun. On this basic idea, we started the first Porsche prototype.”
This lightweight approach quickly gained the 356 its popularity, and combined with its power-weight ratio, the rear-engined layout, nimble handling, and excellent build quality gave the 356 a proper driver appeal – a proven formula that also provided a class win at Le Mans in 1951. Power outputs varied between 44hp for the original 1131cc engine and 130hp for the later 1966cc Carrera versions.
The Pre-A or ‘prototype’ Austrian built 356s were aluminium bodied, but when manufacturing moved to Germany, Porsche contracted Reutter to manufacture the bodies in steel, and eventually bought the company in 1963. Reutter retained the seat manufacturing sector of their business, but later changed their name to Recaro – forming the company we’re much more familiar with today.
In October 1964, the 356’s successor, the iconic 911 made its debut – but its enduring popularity ensured production continued well into 1965.
ARRANGE A VIEWING
It is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
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