1963 Porsche 356B 1600 Super Coupe

Coachwork by Karmann

1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Carburetors
75bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration recently completed
*California car from new, retaining matching-numbers 'Super' motor
*Completed in striking period-correct Metallic Silver over Green leather
*Well-documented with original window sticker, COA and comprehensive history and restoration file


THE PORSCHE 356B

Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46hp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine of 130 horsepower. Its steady development brought not only coupes, but luxurious cabriolets and more spartan Speedsters and roadsters, more than 76,000 examples in all by the time production ceased in 1965.

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design's progression. In what is known as "T5" form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A series. The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded. A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. A Super model with raised compression added an extra 15bhp over the standard version, a full 25% more power than the base car.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This superb example of the desirable 356B 1600 Super Coupe benefits from pampered California ownership since new in just a few hands, a stunning, nut-and-bolt restoration recently performed by various California-based Porsche experts, well-documented provenance and matching-numbers status.
According to its Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, this stunning 356B Coupe was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche factory on February 25th, 1963, as a factory 1600 S (S for Super), denoting that it received the higher performance 75bhp engine as opposed to the standard 60bhp unit.

Finished in Ruby Red over Black Leatherette upholstery from new, the original window sticker issued by SF-based Porsche Car Pacific Inc notes '1963 Porsche 1600 Karmann Super Coupe 75' with engine number P705581. The car had shipped from Germany into the Port of San Francisco, and would be retailed by Anderson Motors of San Jose, CA. The MSRP was $4,395. Wonderful original paperwork including original owners' manuals on file indicates a Mr. Jack C. Davis of San Jose as the first owner, buying the new Porsche from Anderson Motors on April 26, 1963.

The thick history file accompanying the car documents later ownership in the hands of a car enthusiast based in the San Diego area. In the past decades, the Ruby red paint was stripped, and the highly original, sound and straight Karmann Coupe bodywork was refinished in the period-correct Metallic Silver exterior color seen on the car today. The car was fully stripped, and all sub-components and ancillaries restored to factory specifications. A new wiring harness was fitted, and hardware, nuts and bolts replated. Suspension and braking systems were restored, as was the gas tank and fuel system. Although not fully finished, the car was later to the consignor, a Southern California based enthusiast, who soon set out to complete the restoration to the same high standard at which it had been begun. The original black leatherette interior was still with the car (and is offered with the sale of the car) but it was decided to fit a period-correct Green Porsche leather interior. Experts was retained to make sure it was done exactly right, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Retaining its highly desirable matching numbers 'Super' engine, this 356B was a sound example prior to the comprehensive restoration, and that fact shines through today when inspecting the car in detail. Original factory ID plates and stampings remain intact, and the last digits of the chassis number can be found on various parts of the body panels, indicating the car has kept its original parts. A period optional wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted, and the newly restored wheels carries original date codes. Just 62,012 miles was recoded on the original VDO odometer at time of cataloging, a figure believed to be actual.

Presented in its striking period-correct livery, this Porsche is ready for competitive judging at PCA events or high-speed rallies and driving events. Complete with a comprehensive history file containing original paperwork and the Porsche-issues Certificate of Authenticity and hundreds of restoration receipts, this car has been looked after since new, and now in professionally restored condition it is prone to impress wherever it goes.