Description
1961 Porsche 356 B Coupe
s/n 113456 , Engine no. P*604075*
Ruby Red with Black Leatherette Interior
The 356 B represents significant advances in drivability and comfort over earlier 356 models, and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness.
This particular example was sold to its California owner in 1961 and has remained here ever since. The first owner, Joyce Nakata, sold the car to the current owner in 1996. Records exist back as far as 1974 and confirm that this example has been fastidiously maintained throughout its life. Today, it remains an attractive, original, straight, and rust free example with no immediate needs mechanically.
The bulk of the restorative work was carried out in 1989. Classic Auto Body, known for there work on early Porsches, replaced the floors pans and longitudinals, refinished the chrome, and repainted the car. The car was completely stripped for this work, including the removal of the engine and driveline, and suspension. This example has always been Ruby Red. After the floors were replaced, modern rust proofing material was applied to the underside and wheel arches to further reduce the potential for deterioration. At the same time the engine, brakes, and suspension were sent to Lukes & Shoreman for service. We do not have records to confirm the engine was rebuilt at this time.
The current owner continued to improve the car. The brakes were serviced a second time in 1996, and in 2006 the ignition system was serviced, valves adjusted, carburetors serviced, clutch and cable replaced, transaxle rebuilt, starter replaced, and selected suspension bushings replaced. Today, there are no obvious mechanical needs and the car drives beautifully.
Cosmetically, this example can be described as an incredibly nice driver or casual show car. The paint work is of high caliber, and although done several years ago, is holding up nicely. There are a handful of minor chips and paint imperfections about the car, but nothing obvious. The body is extremely straight, with very good door, hood, and engine lid gaps. There is no evidence of damage or repairs about the body, and the hood is number matching to this car. There is light pitting and hazing to the chrome in selected areas. The wheels, however, are excellent. The lenses, lights, and window glass are very good throughout, although the windshield and rear window gaskets are aging.
The interior is still trimmed in black leatherette, as it was in 1961. The seats are in excellent shape with virtually no signs of wear. This example has the very rare optional headrests. The dash and steering wheel have both been recently polished and in great shape. The carpets were replaced in 1989 with correct weave material, as were the rubber floor mats. A period radio is fitted, and the original speakers remain.
The frontal storage area has seen some restoration work, with new rubber matting, and leather spare tire hold down. The engine bay is representative of a driver, but is very correct in equipment including the original oil filter and air cleaner housings. The underbody is straight, rust free, and nicely detailed.
This example has a crisp feel on the road. The suspension, gear shift linkage, brakes, and engine are all tight and responsive. The lights and wipers work, and the car seal perfectly from the weather making it the perfect year-round classic. Early Porsches, known for their simplicity and reliability, are the ideal choice for the entry level collector looking to get his or her feet wet in the exotic motoring world. Alternatively, this car would make a great daily driver for the experienced collector who feels uncomfortable using more valuable vehicles on a regular basis or in adverse weather conditions.
With this example comes the spare tires and wheel, tool roll with tools, correct jack, manual pack with manual, sales brochure, service booklet for this chassis, a myriad of paperwork from the original owner, records back to 1974, and the Porsche Letter of Authenticity confirming that this is a matching numbers example in its original colors.
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