Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356B Coupe

Chassis No. – 116314
Engine No. – KDP*805808* (indicating dealer case replacement)
Transmission No. 45 444
Exterior Color – Signal Red
Interior Color – Black (code 302)
Engine – 1600 Air cooled 4 cylinder (now Super 90)
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 53,075 (owner states 153,075)
Current Owner – 2nd owner purchased in 1964

Highlights for this car

Two-owner Porsche with current 60-year California ownership
Documented to have been delivered new to first California owner
Driver quality example updated with Super 90 spec engine and Weber carburetors

General Overview

The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the most sought-after vintage sports cars in part because it was the 356 that established Porsche as a leader in sports car production. With its unique profile, comfortable driving manners, and race-inspired lineage, the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name of Ferdinand Porsche set the standard of engineering excellence upheld decade after decade in each new offering. Introduced in 1948, the 356 benefited from continual refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. During this time, engine horsepower increased from a noble 40hp to just under 100hp. And while many of the technical and engineering advances developed in the 356 would continue into production with the 911, the purity and simplicity of the 356 remains an enduring and charming reminder of what a sports car should be.

Current Condition and Ownership

This example must be counted as one of the most enjoyably shown and driven 356 Porsches under long-term ownership. According to a copy of the factory Kardex, this car was originally completed May 25, 1961, finished at the factory in Signal Red with Black interior and delivered to Porsche Car Pacific, San Francisco, CA. Originally built and delivered as a 1600 with engine number 605671, the engine was replaced with an upgraded Super 90 unit. The car remained with the original owner until the second owner purchased this 356 from St. Claire Motor Co., San Jose, CA on November 18, 1964. Under current ownership for the past 60 years, the car is accompanied by a copy of the factory Kardex, original owner’s manual, red plastic manual case, the original tools with the tool roll, and numerous service records supporting his 60 years of ownership. The current owner has shown and driven this 356 to numerous Porsche events achieving first, second, and third place awards along with People’s Choice plaques and show ribbons throughout the decades of his ownership.

In 2010, the current owner was honored by The Porsche Club of America for 50 and then again in 2020 for 60 years of his ongoing participation. Throughout his 60 years of ownership, the owner has shown the car in several local shows and participated in the Porsche Club of Great Britain Rally in 1991. Receipts, including the original purchase document for the car, date back to the 1960s, documenting the consecutive decades of general services, brake work, valve adjustments, fluids, and maintenance while the car continued to reside in Northern California. Among the many invoices, services include “fly cut combustion chambers” 1975, reupholster seats, 1974, new windshield 1978, with many invoices including parts purchased from Stoddard as the owner performed much of the work himself including numerous oil and filter changes and general tune ups.

In the late 1990s, the owner rebuilt the engine currently in the car. During the rebuild, the engine was built to Super 90 specifications, Weber carburetors were installed, and a gold Super 90 script emblem was installed on the engine lid. The car received light body work and minor floor repairs and was refinished Signal Red during this same period. Two reference photos included with the documentation show the car with glass removed and paint work completed. By 2002 the original transmission (No. 45 444) was rebuilt, Bursch tuned exhaust was installed, and additional mechanical work continued through 2007 when the odometer indicated approximately 50,000 miles. In 2018 the car was serviced with 53,044 miles and a new battery was installed in November 2024.

General Condition

Today this handsome 356B features a very satisfying combination of preservation and high driver level cosmetics. The paint, while showing signs of age, still exhibits excellent gloss and smooth uniformed finish. Both the engine lid and hood hinge are numbered 314 which match the serial number, indicating these are the factory original components. The doors, hood, and engine lid shut properly and retain very good panel fit. The quality of the chrome, trim, and emblems are very nice overall, consistent with general use the second owner has enjoyed for the past 60 years. A set of Porsche crest fog lamps are installed on elbow arms mounted to the inside of the front bumper uprights. A set of wide rim ventilated chrome steel wheels and matching chrome wheel covers are mounted wearing a set of contemporary Yokohama P195/60R15 radial tires.

The interior is also a well-sorted combination of original and restored features. The black vinyl seats have correct piping, and pleat lines with just the right amount of relaxed padding for comfortable driving. The door panels, headliner, and charcoal grey carpet are all in very nice condition consistent with the driver level cosmetics throughout. The headliner is particularly nice having been replaced when the interior was redone with no stains or tears. The dashboard is finished in matching Signal Red paint with a black dash top and the instruments have excellent overall cosmetics with contrasting dial faces, excellent numeric indication, and clear glass. The switches, knobs, and handles all retain a very unified composition, once again, consistent with the preservation and history of long-term ownership. A Blaupunkt AM radio is installed though currently non-operational. Although an aftermarket steering wheel is currently installed, the original black rim Porsche steering wheel with matching center crest is included with the car.

Under the hood, the engine compartment and engine have mellowed a bit over the years, but still present a satisfying visual result suitable for enjoyable use. According to the Kardex, the original engine was stamped 605671, indicating a standard 1600 series engine when delivered new, however, under current ownership, the engine was replaced using a KDP Porsche dealer stamped main case (corresponding to a July 1962 Super 90) and built to Super 90 specifications. The upgraded engine has matching left and right case halves, is equipped with a pair of dual-throat Weber carburetors with aftermarket air cleaners, and Permatune electronic ignition. The engine rebuild is documented with service receipts for the build, some specification notes, and detailed parts listing.

The front storage area is reflective of generally original condition with no visible evidence of structural damage, a spare tire and battery cover are in place, and hold down strap securing the spare wheel. The underside reveals a sound unrestored floor with some metal work evident and Bilstein Shock absorbers front and rear. The gearbox was rebuilt in 2002 and is stamped with casing number 45 444 which matches the Kardex issued for this car.

Items Included with the Car

This Porsche is accompanied by a bounty of items including framed participation dash plaques dating back to 1960, numerous trophies, ribbons, and show plaques, spare floor mats and coco mats, a set of tools and fuses, Porsche driver’s manual and maintenance instruction manual, 1991 Porsche Club Great Britain souvenir rally sign and UK license plate, three large Porsche service manual binders, and a car cover.

Additionally, the car is also accompanied by a pair of standard width chrome plated rims, a set of four beauty rings and domed wheel covers, a 1956 California license plate, the original steering wheel, a spare Porsche crest wheel cover, a spare teardrop lens and housing, a Weber carburetor body and two aftermarket air cleaner assemblies, misc. gaskets and small mechanical parts, weatherstripping, and an engine lid grille.

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