Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356B Super Coupe

Chassis No. – 113093
Engine No. - 87313
Exterior Color – Signal Red
Interior Color – Tan (code 302)
Engine – 1600 Air cooled 4 cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 12,408
Current Owner – 2nd owner purchased in 2013
Miles under current ownership - roughly 300 miles since purchase


Highlights for this car

Two-owner Porsche with current long-term California ownership
Believed delivered new to first California owner
Converted to front disc brakes and 12 volt electrical system
Driver quality example with thoughtful improvements


Owner Added Improvements

Front disc brakes
Electrical system converted to 12 Volt
Wider chrome plated wheels
Upgraded Pioneer stereo system mounted in glove box
Aftermarket wood steering wheel
Modern air cleaners on carburetors


General Overview

The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the most sought-after vintage sports cars. 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 for the 911, the purity and simplicity of the 356 still remains an enduring and charming reminder of what a sports car should be.


Current Condition and Ownership

This example is believed to have been delivered new to the first owner in California. The current owner purchased the car in March 2013 from the first owner and embarked on a restoration with the services of various notable California Porsche experts. At that time the car showed approximately 12,000 miles on the odometer, believed to be original having rolled over once. A California car since new, this 356 was a sound candidate for restoration, which the current owner decided to do by engaging a host of professional specialists.

The restoration began with the car showing 12,295 miles and spanned from 2013-2014 with continued efforts refining through 2017. Work included body and paint performed by Ideal Auto Rebuilders in San Francisco, CA. The body panels were stripped to bare metal, blocked, and sanded with corrosion protection and undercoating applied. Multiple exterior pieces were removed and rechromed, and a pair of fog lamps purchased for installation. During this time much of the rubber seals including the windshield and rear glass gaskets were replaced.

Concurrent with the paint and body work, the car was sent to Zuffenhausen Auto who managed the reassembly, interior installation, and engine rebuild. Further detailing also included assembly and installation of the door handles, window crank operation, 12V conversion, radio and speaker installation, window washer installation, tachometer and clutch cable installation, new windshield installation, disc brake conversion and brake overhaul, fuel tank cleaning, sealing, and repair, and other final details.

The engine rebuild included line boring for the case, machining the crankshaft, testing the oil cooler, a complete valve job, balancing the engine components, machining the rocker arms, and servicing the rods. Other mechanical work at this time also included new rubber boots for clutch cable, handbrake cable, transmission rubber boot, and front and rear alignment.

Zuffenhausen Auto also performed the interior reupholstery work replacing front seats in leather (Tan 302) and a new ivory headliner. The door panels, dash top, rear seats, rear window lower panel, L&R rear panels and underside vent window area were recovered in matching vinyl (to match Tan 302). A complete carpet set was also installed (Beige 500).

In 2017 the car returned to Zuffenhausen Auto for general service with oil change brake and linkage adjustments, clutch adjustment, and road test. At that same time, the seat belts were replaced. Miles at that time were recorded at 12,330.

In April 2020 the car returned to Zuffenhausen for a transmission gasket replacement and the installation of a new Optima battery.


General Condition

Today this handsome 356B 1600 Super features striking colors and driver quality restoration, including very good paint showing excellent gloss and smooth finish throughout. There are a few minor chips in the paint in the door edges and other largely hidden places and one area showing a small paint bubble. The doors, hood, and engine lid shut tightly. The quality of the chrome, trim, and emblems are very nice overall, though some chrome pieces and a few of the rubber smaller gaskets show signs of age. The glass and lenses are also of high quality, showing excellent fit and properly fitting rubber gaskets and weather stripping which was redone during the restoration in 2013. The owner added wider ventilated chrome wheels are beautifully finished including the matching chrome wheel covers.

The interior is handsomely prepared using correct, high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The tan leather seats have correct piping, and pleat lines. The interior has a rewarding blend of enthusiastic thoughtful restoration with modest updates including a nice set of Cocomats. The door panels, ivory headliner, and correct square weave carpet are all in very nice condition. The dashboard is finished in matching Signal Red paint with a tan leather dash top. The instruments have excellent overall cosmetics with contrasting dial faces, correct indication, and clear glass. A radio blank has been installed where the radio is typically located, and a new Pioneer multi-function radio is installed in the glovebox, with aftermarket speakers located in the lower front side panels. The switches, knobs, and handles all retain a very unified feeling of quality and finish. An excellent touch to the sporting interior is the aftermarket wood-rim and aluminum spoke steering wheel with a black and gold Porsche crested center emblem.

Under the hood, the engine compartment and engine have mellowed a bit since the restoration, but still present confidently with attention to detail and correct Porsche specifications. Aftermarket air cleaners have been installed. The engine rebuild is documented with notation on the build, specifications, and parts used during the restoration. As some time has passed since the restoration was completed, there is evidence of use to the engine components, but it is otherwise cohesive in presentation.

The front storage area is finished in a combination of original materials and restored components, with an overall nice finish to all materials. The underside reveals a sound floor, likely never restored, and solid attachment points with care given to the underside engine components during restoration and rebuild. The gearbox casing number is consistent with the original unit numbers assigned to these cars, though not confirmed by Certificate of Authenticity.


Items Included with the Car

A spare set of chrome wheel covers, the Pioneer radio manual, a Porsche tool kit and roll, and a car cover.

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