Fantasy Junction

Description

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1960 Porsche 356B Coupe

Chassis No. – 112239
Engine No. – P603127
Transmission No. - 38271
Exterior Color – Aetna Blue
Interior Color – Grey
Engine –1600 cc 4-cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 126,426 miles

Highlights for this car

Purchased new by the same family who retain it today
Comprehensive restoration on a numbers matching California delivery 356
Exceptional documentation covering all services since new
Date coded wheels, correct original tools, manual, CA pink slip etc.

General Overview

The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the most sought-after vintage sports cars. With its unique profile, nimble 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 40hp to just under 100hp which was more than enough for a wide range of sports car enthusiasts. Many of the technical and engineering advances developed in the 356 would continue into production for the 911, but the purity and simplicity of the 356 remains today as an enduring reminder of what a true sports car should be.

Current Condition and Ownership

There are many stories of original Porsches, original owners, family histories, and restoration projects. But few single cars authentically embody these combined traits under single family ownership. Such is the case with this 1960 Porsche. Purchased new in Oakland, CA, the patron of the family, an Electrical Engineer at Lawrence Berkeley Labs, ordered his new Porsche finished in white, specifically with no options. Upon arriving at the Johnson Pacific Volkswagen showroom, the car he selected arrived with every option possible. Frustrated with the error in his order, a showroom model Aetna Blue 356 captured his attention, which he purchased on that fateful day, September 30, 1960. For the next 33 years, the father of this family would maintain and service the car personally at his home garage using it for family trips and commuting to work, keeping careful log of all services. Originally licensed with yellow/black CA plate UJW831 this first series license plate was replaced with black/yellow plate BRK095 which it still retains today.

The car served the family of five without incident including the father using the car as his daily driver until 1983. Other than roof damage from a falling tree branch, no body work was ever required and being a California car, no floor pans needed replacement. Upon his retirement oil changes, tune ups, and engine rebuilds continued, all documented with handwritten notes (included with the car) consistent with his engineering training for the period. In 1993, the parents gave the car to their daughter - the current owner. On May 12, 1993, the daughter and her husband drove the car to their San Jose home where it has been under their care until 2010 when it was relocated back to Oakland, parking occupying the very same garage where it first parked in 1960.

The original engine was rebuilt by the owner at 85,138 miles installing new rings, valves, and gaskets, and a minor overhaul was performed at 120,818 miles. When evaluated in 1996, 76 oil changes, 20 oil filter changes, 24 valve adjustments, and 25 tune ups had been performed. In 1996 the front of the car was damaged and subsequently sent to Del’s Body Shop, owned by Del Sessions. Though originally delivered for front end repairs, the couple decided to restore the car including body (retaining the original hood, doors, engine lid), Aetna Blue paint, and a new grey interior, while tending to all mechanical features being careful to restore, not replace as many original parts and component assemblies as possible. The car was completed in time for the couple to attend the 50th Anniversary Porsche celebration in Monterey, CA.

In 2004, the engine was removed and disassembled. The original case halves were separated for the first time revealing excellent internal condition – a tribute to the father’s care and diligence. During the engine rebuild items such as Mahle 1600N pistons, new bearings, and other specific Porsche spec’d parts were consistently used. Like so many things in life, the project took a slow turn before Chris Jansens at Church of the Air-cooled, San Francisco, CA completed the engine rebuild including the original transaxle, suspension components as needed, and all hydraulics. The owners have been meticulous about documentation but have also insisted on using NOS parts whenever possible to ensure ongoing authenticity. The mechanical restoration was completed in 2021 and while the owners have continued to enjoy the car, they are ready to welcome a new owner to experience future years of ownership in keeping with their history.

General Condition

Today, this stunning Porsche exhibits all the hallmarks of a superlative restoration worthy of any major Porsche concours. The beautifully applied Aetna Blue paint is glossy throughout with excellent coverage over expertly blocked and finished original body panels. The body shell and factory body panels are straight and beautifully fit with excellent panel gaps, and tight closures, including the front storage compartment. The paint surface has wonderful depth and clarity, highlighted by the gorgeous grey interior visible through the window openings. The single rear grille displays the correct polished finish, fitting perfectly to the engine lid, revealing glossy paint on the inside venting chamber along with the matching number. Below the grille, the gold Porsche 1600 script is impeccably finished flanked by original teardrop taillights and reflectors. The trim, emblems, and chrome plating all present in excellent condition, showing correct factory finishes with exceptional polish throughout. A pair of correct Hella headlamps are in place. The glass is in excellent condition bearing the Sekurit and Sigla brand etches, while the windshield shows minimal evidence of road use. The wheels are date stamped and original to the car. A set of Michelin 165 SR15 tires are mounted.

The grey interior presents beautifully with taut fit over properly bolstered seats showing excellent surface finishes. The seats are finished with correct perimeter piping and excellent stitching. The contrasting blue dashboard and original gauges present a stunning blend of aged excellence and restoration artistry. Carpeting, headliner, and door trim are all in excellent condition showing only minor use to the driver’s footwell since the restoration was completed. In all, the interior quality is superbly composed, giving the car a satisfying and heartfelt feeling of originality and restorative craftsmanship worthy of the singular family ownership and dedicated passion for this 356 Porsche.

Under the factory stamped matching engine lid, the engine bay displays exemplary factory correct presentation. The original engine has been restored and the engine casing bears the number 603127 which matches the original owner’s manual accompanying the car. The engine and engine compartment have been restored using correct finishes, proper coatings, original specification hardware, and accurate fasteners. The correct air filter housings, oil filter canister, and appropriate decals have also been applied per original specifications with careful attention to factory finishes, along with correct satin and flat coatings.

The front storage compartment further supports the excellent workmanship applied during restoration. A matching correctly date coded spare wheel, correct rubber mat, and proper finishes continue the themes of originality, including the correct number stamping which also matches the hood hinge. The undercarriage displays correct finishes and factory features, including the original floor pans, original longitudinals, and battery box, correct suspension and brakes, correct metal brake lines, clean numbers matching engine and transaxle castings, and a correctly finished exhaust and muffler system.

The car starts instantly, without hesitation, and idles properly with all instruments indicating steady temperatures and all features functioning properly. Driving manners are fantastic with ride quality that only an original car can deliver. The engine offers excellent power, and the gearbox shifts smoothly with good synchros. Steering and suspension are wonderfully matched, and the brakes bring the car down evenly on a tall pedal. Every aspect of the 356 Porsche from the formidable history, family dedication, superlative documentation, and matching numbers makes this Porsche a delight to drive.

Unprecedented in ownership, dedication, and family history, this 356 presents the next fortunate owners an exciting opportunity to continue this rare history with new and exciting adventures, road trips, Porsche club events, or continuing the traditions of family drives much as the original owners have done since delivered new in 1960.

Items Included with the Car

This Porsche is accompanied by the original tool kit and tool roll, the original jack, factory shop manuals purchased new, the original owner’s manual, service book, and maintenance instruction book, the original record notebook and copious notes from the original owner, records of services performed on the car from 1993 to present, receipts for all parts purchased during restoration, a copy of the original California pink slip, the original black and yellow license plate, digital photos of the restoration and engine disassembly, and digital photos of the car from the 1980s-2000s.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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