1963 Porsche 356B 1600 Coupe

1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Carburetors
60bhp at 4,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented in the as-delivered livery
*Matching numbers engine and transaxle
*Timeless, elegant and fun-driving Porsche
*Offered with the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity

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.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This lovely example of Porsche's legendary 356 sports car was completed at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche Works on September 4th, 1962, as a 1963 model-year car. The Porsche was built to the upgraded 356 B-series specification, featured T6 Coupe coachwork by Karmann of Osnabruck, and was equipped for the US market. The car was specified just as it appears today, with the graceful Coupe bodywork finished in clean Ivory (6204) paintwork over a Black leatherette interior. Although the early history remains unknown, the car is believed to have keep kept in California since the 1970s, due to the blue and yellow California license plates fitted to the car.

Today the Porsche presents beautifully inside and out, with its refinished Ivory exterior paint in very good overall condition, showing just a light age since the paintwork was completed. Chrome and brightwork appears to be mostly original and in well-preserved condition, except for the side window frames which have been beautifully re-chromed. The black vinyl interior has been redone to a high standard, as has the carpets, although done in an incorrect pattern. The dash gauges are in good working order, and it appears as if the Ivory white dash paint may be the original coat applied when the car was new in 1962. The silver painted steel wheels have been refinished and look stunning with original chrome hubcaps fitted, and appropriate Vredestein Sprint Classic tires fitted for the right look and handling. The front trunk appears to be mostly original, but the battery area has been correctly redone, surely to cure corrosion from old leaking batteries. The matching number engine is nicely detailed and correct throughout including the right carburetors and air cleaners. On the road, this 356 T6 B is a lot of fun, with brisk performance and the excellent handling characteristics which these cars are known for.

A major service was performed during 2020 and included restoring the brakes with new brake drums and shoes (arced to properly fit the drums), oil and cilter change including sump gaskets, new fuel hoses and filter, new front sway bar bushings, new shocks absorbers (front and rear), new windshield seal fitted, in addition to adjustment of the engine valves and carburetor linkage.

This timeless Porsche 356B 1600 Coupe is offered with the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity which confirms that car retains its matching numbers engine and transaxle. Fully detailed and very nicely presented throughout, this is lovely driver-level 356B 1600 Coupe one could enjoy on curvy backroads or on one of the many classic car rallies which it is eligible for.