Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356 Roadster

Chassis No. – 88367
Engine No. – 603642
Gearbox No. - 43782
Aetna Blue with Red Leatherette Interior

-Professionally restored in stunning original colors
-Matching numbers per Kardex and Porsche CoA
-Uprated engine dyno tested at 75hp

Porsche 356 History

For more than half a century, enthusiasts have continuously favored the iconic and agile Porsche 356. The attractive combination of modest mechanicals and pure design were perfectly captured in the 356, delivering a novel car that challenged former ideas of what a sports car could be. Initially brought to market as an update of the “A” model in 1959, the “B” series cars offered refinements and improvements to these capable rear engine sports cars. Thoughtfully designed, stylish, and sporty, the 356B brought customers the high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness that Porsche would become so well known for in the coming decades.

History of this Porsche 356 Roadster

According to both the Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included with this car, this Porsche 356 Roadster was completed in March 1961 and delivered to the selling dealer Porsche Car Import, Northbrook, IL. Finished at the Porsche factory, the Drauz roadster body was painted Aetna Blue (6003) and trimmed with Red Leatherette interior. Engine number 603642 and gearbox number 39493 were installed as shown on the Kardex and Porsche CoA.

According to the current owner, after the original purchase, the car spent time in Costa Mesa, CA, eventually retiring from road use in 1978 when it was stored indoors. The car was transferred to another owner in the late 1990s and subsequently sold in 2023 to the current owner. The current owner, an expert in Porsche restorations, reports that the body was disassembled to the bare tub, stripped to bare steel, and new floors and battery box were installed. The prep and final finish was performed by Dink Farmer using the correct 6003 Aetna Blue Porsche color per Kardex and CoA. All chrome was redone including the windshield surround, windshield rubber and weatherstripping. While the body work and paint were being done, the rear torsion bars were rebuilt with new needles and seals and checked for straightness. New Koni shocks were installed front and rear, new brakes including new wheel cylinders, new master cylinder, new hard and soft brake lines, new shoes, and new Pirelli tires were purchased and prepped for reinstallation.

The front suspension was fully disassembled, crack checked, tested for straightness using a factory jig, new seals installed, and new spindles lathed with dial calipers also to ensure straightness. All new suspension rubber was installed and a replacement gearbox (number 43782) was rebuilt with new bearings, new synchros and seals by Jacques Lafriant, a new clutch, pressure plate, and surfaced flywheel were reinstalled along with a Willhoit 17mm sway bar.

The matching number engine was rebuilt by Ron Chuck with rods balanced to .5 grams, the crankshaft redone by CCR Armando Ayala, heads flowed, correct NOS rod and main bearings fitted, all new valves and guides, new JE pistons, resurfaced rocker arms, and the original barrels honed by “AA”. A hotter than stock turned lifter cam by Dima Elgin was installed, while a pair of Zenith carburetors were rebuilt by Carb Rescue (set and equaled) and an RB18 distributor by Abe Tiederman with the correct cap was installed. The completed engine was dyno tested resulting in 75hp and has been run about 60 miles since the rebuild was completed.

In addition to the mechanical restoration, the entire electrical system was redone including a new wiring harness (with a pigtail behind the front wheel for a battery tender), a hard-wired electric fuel pump hidden under the dash, rebuilt horns, and a new battery. Of note, this 356 is fitted with a spring-loaded knob of the dashboard that primes the carburetors for easier cold starts. This is thoughtfully wired so that it can only be activated with the ignition in the on position, preventing unwanted activation. For the finishing touches, the interior was reupholstered by K&H, Garden Grove, CA using correct materials, German square weave carpet, correct black canvas convertible top, and all gauges mechanically rebuilt and cosmetically restored by experts at Palo Alto Speedometer.

Condition and Features

Today this Porsche 356 roadster presents as a correct and beautifully restored example, prepared with excellent finishes, proper components, and high-quality materials. During the restoration, numerous original parts were used whenever possible including the original body, the original front storage lid and original engine lid, both of which are stamped with the correct two-digit matching chassis numbers, and the original doors. The Aetna Blue paint displays uniform gloss and excellent finish throughout the car. The fit and finish of all opening features is excellent as well, with the doors shutting properly and tightly, excellent engine lid and hood fit with tight closures. The Drauz-built roadster body contains the correct side emblem and matching Drauz door jamb plate. The exterior is finished with painted bumpers which properly follow the curvaceous body, adorned with chrome plated overriders front and rear, the latter of which contain twin exhaust tips exiting the lower portion of the chrome overriders. The headlights, teardrop taillights with correct etched markings, single engine grille, and emblems are in excellent condition, including the gold script letters on the decklid. A set of chrome plated wheels and matching wheel covers are shod with Pirelli Cinturato 165 HR15 tires. Overall, the striking visual exterior presentation is highly satisfying for a car that can be driven, enjoyed, and confidently shown at local Porsche club events.

The interior has been restored accurately with correct components finished in a wonderful color combination. The interior is authentically finished using red leatherette and oatmeal carpets. The correctly finished bucket seats are outfitted with a pair of vintage style matching red lap belts. Important to note - the seat bottom cushions have been purposefully “cupped” on the bottom bolsters to allow better comfort and grip when driving, a detail often missed by less astute upholsters. The carpet is of high quality and correct square weave design showing no evidence of use, preserved by a protective black rubber floor mat. Even the inner door panel map pockets have been correctly stitched in matching red leatherette. The original style instruments are in beautiful condition, reflecting the unique green numbers, high contrast dials, and clear glass. A beautifully finished wood rimmed Porsche steering wheel with a Porsche crest center emblem completes the authentic interior.

The black canvas top is in excellent condition, appearing essentially new with tight fit to the windshield header and a clear plastic rear window. The mechanical top armature moves freely and nests smoothly into the rear compartment and can be covered with the tonneau cover included with the car. When in the up position, the headliner and correctly finished top bows reveal further exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. The front storage area is authentically presented with a correct leather strap for the Pirelli spare tire, correct Varta 6V battery, and factory finishes.

The engine compartment is very well detailed and correctly restored using correct original parts and finishes for the matching numbers engine. Having been faithfully restored, the engine has been modestly upgraded with internal components to yield a desirable 75hp output without altering the exterior visual presentation. Care and attention have been given to proper fasteners, correct engine components, a correct oil filter housing with correct decal, Bosch electrical features, proper wiring, and correct finishes.

Underside inspection reveals correct build quality including a nicely refinished replacement floor pan, correctly fitted battery box, clean and properly detailed suspension, and correct drum brakes with new hoses and hard lines. The suspension, various components, and engine are in excellent condition with correct Porsche factory stampings on the engine case halves.

The car starts reliably and idles smoothly. The gearbox operates wonderfully up and down with smooth synchros. The car rides very well along smooth roadways with no excessive chatter over bumps or road undulations. Acceleration is brisk as the engine winds up to higher RPM without hesitation with the hotter camshaft adding a nice punch to the higher horsepower output engine. Braking is very good overall coming down evenly from highway speeds. This 356 Porsche roadster comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of the Porsche Kardex, a battery tender, and a tonneau cover with storage case

Restored in exceptional original colors, the dynamic open roadster configuration and beautiful restoration combine to make this matching numbers roadster an ideal sports car for the enthusiast who enjoys showing and driving an iconic 356 Porsche.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608