1963 Porsche 356B Super 90 Coupé

• European-delivered example
• Left-hand drive
• Formerly part of an extensive private collection in Italy
• Present ownership since 2016

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 litres; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. Numerous further styling revisions differentiated the 356B of 1959 from its immediate predecessor while the engine - now standardised at 1,600cc - was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90.

The 356B represents significant advances in driveability and comfort over earlier 356 models, and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.

This beautiful Porsche 356B Super 90 was delivered new to Italy and comes with a copy of its old Italian Carta di Circolazione Autovettura. The car formerly formed part of an enormous private collection in Italy and was purchased when the collection was auctioned in Milan in November 2016. Post-purchase documentation consists of a UK V5C registration Certificate and three invoices: from Roger Bray for a new fuel tank, fuel cock and sender arm (March 2025); from Sideline Design Limited for a fuel pump rebuild kit (March 2025); and from Autofarm for an oil and filter change (April 2019).