Description
Chassis Number: 110884
Engine Number: 86005
The 356 was Ferdinand Porsche’s first production automobile with earlier cars designed by his Austrian company including a Cisitalia Grand Prix racer, the Volkswagen Beetle, and Auto Union Grand Prix cars.
A lightweight and nimble-handling, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door sports car, available both in hardtop coupé and open configurations. Engineering innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria, where Porsche built approximately 50 cars. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its September 1964 debut. Of the 76, 000 originally produced, approximately half survive.
This LHD Porsche 356B with T5 body, was built by Reutter in 1960. Originally sold in Hamburg, but spent most of its life in America where it was off the road for more than 30 years before being shipped to and restored in Britain. The current owner is in contact with the previous 2 American owners who confirm its long period of storage and also its low mileage of a little over 69, 000 to be correct. It is believed that the car was purchased by US military personnel posted to Germany and subsequently shipped to America at the end of their deployment. A photograph on file shows the car on its arrival to the UK, appearing solid and complete, but with a brush-painted yellow exterior!
The car has since been restored and returned to its original colour Slate Grey. The Certificate of Authenticity confirms that the car still has its original 1600S engine, 86005. Interestingly the Certificate states the car’s original transmission number to be 35025 though it is fitted with number 35825 – however, we simply believe this to be a typo from when the factory records were digitised.
The current owner has taken the car on a number of tours and road rallies with the car fully checked over after each one. The Porsche is standard and correct in every way, however its does benefit from upgraded factory-type Carrera bucket seats and a foot rest for the passenger. The 356 starts and runs well, pulling through all gears and cruising at a happy 65-70mph. A battery isolator is fitted for longer term storage / security and the seatbelts are not original fitment (but are of period style). The sun visor has been discreetly signed by legendary Porsche racing drivers Derek Bell and Richard Attwood, plus renowned ‘Outlaw’ 356-builder Rod Emory. Ready to use and enjoy, the car does feature some minor paint blemishes and signs of wear to the chrome-plating, however it still presents very well and drove superbly on our recent photographic shoot.
Please note that the private number plate is not included.
