Porsche 356 B 1600

The vehicle in detail

This T6 B Coupe was delivered new by Vasek Polak Porsche on October, 5 1963 to Mr. Melvin W. Cecil of Costa Mesa California. Specified new in Signal Red with a black leatherette interior, the 356 was further optioned with 2 armrests in leather, “Speedster” side trim, chrome wheels, an extended steering column, and special paintwork.

Mel Cecil was VP of maintenance and construction at Disneyland, and his parking pass remains in the windscreen today.

The original service book documents regular factory service through late 1964 at approximately 11,000 miles. Furthermore, original service invoices from 1963 forward document regular factory service work carried out by both Vasek Polak and Chick Iverson. By the late 1960s, Mel had accrued 70,000 miles with the Porsche, and by the late 70s, the car had reach 114,000. Eventually, Mel would reached over 160,000 miles with the car, maintaining it fastidiously the whole way. The invoices alone fill an 1.5 inch binder, and some noteworthy items include an engine rebuild at 131,000 miles in 1984 and retrimming the front seats in leather in 1985.

In 2012, Mel Cecil sold his beloved Porsche to a PNW Porsche enthusiast and registry member who drove the car home without issue. Later that year, the car was displayed at the Carmel Concours on the Ave. Since, the Porsche has remained in the Northwest and has been regularly serviced and cared for. Most notably, in current ownership, a 912 engine was sourced and rebuilt for installation. With a “big bore” kit, the new engine offers a level of performance that makes the 356 even better to drive. And, of course, the original, numbers-matching engine remains with the car.

This is a really special, unrestored 356 with a great story.

Please visit hagemanmotorcars.com for more photos and info.