Overview
In late 1959 significant styling and technical refinements gave rise to the 356 B (a T5 body type). The mid-1962 356 B model was changed to the T6 body type (twin engine lid grilles, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window in the coupé). It is interesting to note that the Porsche factory didn't call attention to these quite visible changes with a different model designation. However, when the T6 got disc brakes, with no other visible alterations, they called it the model C, or the SC when it had the optional extra powerful engine. A unique "Karmann Hardtop" or "Notchback" 356 B model was produced in 1961 and 1962. The 1961 production run (T5) was essentially a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop welded in place. The 1962 line (T6 production) was a very different design in that the new T6 notchback coupé body did not start life as a cabriolet, but with its own production design�In essence, part cabriolet rear end design, part T6 coupé windshield frame, unique hard top. Both years of these unique cars have taken the name "Karmann Notchback".
The Porsche 356 B has an acceleration time of 0-60mph in 13.5 seconds with a top speed of 101mph.
Take into account the era of manufacture and industry developments at that time, and you get a sense of a giant being born!
DESCRIPTION
The sheer timeless beauty of this gem stops you dead in your tracks and sends your throat dry. You are lost for words, mainly due to the wide grin resulted from the sudden onset of nostalgia!
Our magnificent conditioned car was manufactured at the Porsche parent company, Dr Ing h c Porsche AG in Germany, in January 1960, to South African specification, and following 2/3 changes of ownership there, it was put on a ship bound for the UK in October 2001, arriving here a month later.
The records and the colour photographs of the time show that the car was put through a restoration scheme, part of which was a change of colour from white to Slate Grey, a far more popular colour for the car.
The very first UK owner who bought the car back in 2002, remained as the only UK owner on the V5, until 2011, when the car was bought by a gentleman entrepreneur and classic car enthusiast.
Whilst the records show the extensive history of expenditure between 2002 - 2011, it is not until 2011 when the car is subject to the love and attention that is worthy of this motorcar.
Whilst the following highlights are by no means the only expenditure, they are the 'stand out affection' bestowed on the car, showing full well that the previous owner was indeed an avid collector, nay hoarder, of the marque.
The very extensive history file highlights a staggering £40,000 engine rebuild and general overhaul at an 'acknowledged expert in all things 356' since 2011 which more than allow for the non matching numbers.
Since the extensive and no expense spared overhaul, the car has completed 1,000 careful running in miles, followed by a further £1,500 gearbox overhaul and a Full Service at renowned Porsche Specialists in the last 500 miles.
The car purrs beautifully & we have every reason to expect it to do so for years to come.
Once the mechanical aspects of the car were attended to, the wheels were powder coated to complete the superb improvement program.
Whilst the car is indeed in an immaculate and astoundingly superb condition, the car will be put through an extensive AMARI Classiche program to address the detailing to the engine bay, engine, the body work and the interior.
All our work will be captured on high resolution colour photographs and along with the extensive history file, will be displayed in a bespoke leather folder.
WHEELS & TYRES
The car sits on Avon Tyres all round:
175 x 70 x R15 (86H)
Tyre tread depths:
Front Right: 6mm
Front Left: 6mm
Rear Right: 6mm
Rear Left: 6mm
We have a superb and extensive file of papers 'mapping' all the work carried out on the car throughout its life, along with the original owner manual and one key, which we will pass on to the next lucky owner of this little gem.
For more information, please call our sales team on 01772 663 777.
Viewing strictly by appointment.
The Porsche 356, was first produced in 1948-1949 by an Austrian company Porsche Konstrukionen, and then continued by the German company between 1950-1965.
It was Porsche's first production automobile.
The 356 was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car, made in hardtop coupe and soft top roadster configurations. Engineering innovations throughout the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity.
The 356 was built in four distinct series, the original ("pre-A"), followed by the 356 A, 356 B, and then finally the 356 C. To distinguish among the major revisions of the model, 356's are generally classified into a few major groups. 356 coup�s and "cabriolets" (soft-top) built through 1955 are readily identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (centre-creased, 1953 to 1955) windscreens.