Description
DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1959 | COLOUR: Ruby Red | INTERIOR TRIM: Black
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS EXCEPTIONAL AND COLLECTABLE RARE RIGHT HAND DRIVE PORSCHE 356B 1600 SUPER T5 CABRIOLET, IN STRIKING COLOURS OF RUBY RED AND BLACK LEATHER, COMPLIMENTED BY BLACK SOFT TOP FOR SALE A SECOND TIME AT LUX CLASSICS.
THE APPEAL
The 356's design, simplicity, and lightweight construction are responsible for the huge Porsche success story that followed. Its distinctive looks and unique driving experience defined the Porsche brand, and changed the sports car market forever. Today, with that heritage to bear, it's no surprise the charming little 356 has become hugely desirable and collectible.
THIS VEHICLE
Sold new by AFN Ltd, Porsche main agent in the United Kingdom. An extensive history file is available, with the original purchase invoice and a letter of authenticity from Porsche Classic Centre to confirm the above details & its matching numbers including colour. With a production end date of December 1959 & first registered new in UK in 1960.
The body was well preserved as it left the UK in the 1980’s for the USA & remained off the road in dry storage for a few decades, afterwhich a previous owner secured the expert assistance of marque specialists to conduct a full component off restoration with no expense spared using only the best of parts , experts & material available. This vehicle formed part of a unique collection of concours Porsche 356’s where it resided until it was brought back to the UK.
This car is finished in its original stunning Ruby Red with Black interior trim complimented by Black Soft Top. The numbers matching 356B, in its factory paintwork and matching numbers engine has just completed a full restoration, including a component off procedure, replacing any metalwork required, in particular the floor pans. A complete engine and mechanical overhaul was also carried out together with minute attention to renew items often overlooked like the wiring loom with a conversion to 12 volts. The paint process was in expert hands of marque specialist to ensure the use of minimal body filler or "Bondo" & a credit to what has been achieved.
In our opinion the mileage of 47, 000 miles is believed to be correct & matched by available documentation as it has been off the road for a few decades, however this can not be guaranteed.
Finally, it’s had a full professional detail by our in-house Lux Detailing team, including paintwork, glass, rims, interior fabric and leather to protect and reduce future maintenance intervals. It now presents in lovely condition, and will comes fully inspected and serviced by our Porsche Classic marque specialists in house including a recent engine rebuild.
This vehicle is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
MODEL HISTORY AND PRODUCTION
The first Porsche 356 rolled off the production line in Stuttgart in 1950. Production ran until 1965 when manufacturing ceased, by which time over 76, 000 examples of various model designations had been produced.
It was Porsche’s first production vehicle, with an evolution starting with the 356 now referred to as the Pre-A, the 356A introduced in 1955, the 356B in late 1959, and the final series 356C introduced for the 1964 model year. In each form, they were built predominantly as either Coupe or Cabriolets. The Karmann bodied Notchback coupes and cabriolets (1961-62) are especially sought after now, as is the limited production four-cam racing ‘Carrera’ version introduced in 1954.
The 356 was created by Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche – company founder). In 1972, during a PCA magazine interview, he summarises his thinking behind the concept as: “I had always driven very speedy cars. I had an Alfa Romeo, also a BMW, and others... By the end of the war, I had a Volkswagen Cabriolet with a supercharged engine, and that was the basic idea. I saw that if you had enough power in a small car, it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered. And it is more fun. On this basic idea, we started the first Porsche prototype.”
This lightweight approach quickly gained the 356 its popularity, and combined with its power-weight ratio, the rear-engined layout, nimble handling, and excellent build quality gave the 356 a proper driver appeal – a proven formula that also provided a class win at Le Mans in 1951. Power outputs varied between 44hp for the original 1131cc engine and 130hp for the later 1966cc Carrera versions.
The Pre-A or ‘prototype’ Austrian built 356s were aluminium bodied, but when manufacturing moved to Germany, Porsche contracted Reutter to manufacture the bodies in steel, and eventually bought the company in 1963. Reutter retained the seat manufacturing sector of their business, but later changed their name to Recaro – forming the company we’re much more familiar with today.
In October 1964, the 356’s successor, the iconic 911 made its debut – but its enduring popularity ensured production continued well into 1965.
