Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B Super 90 Coupe
s/n 213963, engine no. P*0800775 *
Oslo Blue with Red Leather Interior

Introduced in 1959, as the replacement to the 356A, the 356B brought further refinement and additional performance to Porsche’s increasingly popular and now iconic sports car. In 1962, the T6 body was brought into production with important improvements. The new T6 featured a larger trunk opening, external fuel filler with easy access fuel door, a redesigned instrument cluster, and a twin grille engine lid, allowing for better cooling. As with previous models, the 356B incorporated thoughtful and functional design elements, high quality, reliability, and mechanical robustness. As Porsche had done in the past, many versions were offered allowing customers to order up to the top of the line Super 90 series engine, capable of 90 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, making it 50% more powerful than the standard car. All this power came from 9:1 compression, higher lift camshaft, improved internal engine oiling, and larger twin Solex carburetors. Period Super 90 performance proved to be quite good given the car weighed less than 2000 pounds, returning quick acceleration numbers. The heavy duty Hausermann clutch package, offered with the Super 90 package when ordered new, allowed for more competition oriented driving. Contemporary collectors continue to be captivated by the timeless 356 design and delightful driving manners offered in these capable and stylish sports cars, particularly those optioned from the factory with the highly desirable Super 90 engine package.

According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this matching numbers Super 90 Karmann Coupe was completed May 27, 1963 using the new, more desirable T6 body. The certificate shows that the car retains its original engine and transmission, and that the original colors were ivory with black leatherette interior. Original options were ventilated chrome wheels and Phoenix tires. The car is a longtime California car that was previously registered on six-digit blue license plates dating back to the 1970s.

The car has been comprehensively restored and the seller indicates that it retains all its original sheetmetal, including the floor pans and battery box. The car’s owner has an automotive paint shop and carefully performed a quality repaint during the restoration. He completely disassembled the car, including all glass, trim, and interior in order to carefully treat all areas inside the door jambs, inner and underside surfaces. Body panels and floor were in very good original condition, and thus only needed minor finishing and prep. Parts receipts for the body alone from Porsche specialists Stoddard total over $8,300, including suspension and brake parts, a complete insulation kit, fresh air intake, lighting and trim bezels, interior components, a new fuel tank, and dozens of correct factory fasteners, rubber, and hardware. While these parts were being prepared for installation, Autos International of Escondido, CA supplied the red leather door panels, dash cover, headliner, square weave carpet, and headrests to complete the beautifully finished interior. Competition Engineering of Lake Isabella, CA rebuilt the engine including a complete valve job, polishing the crankshaft, resurfacing the rocker arms, installing new rod bushings, repairing studs, and Viton seals. The heads were surfaced and the flywheel and pressure plate were dressed and reconditioned, and a new clutch installed. The current owner reports that the transaxle was rebuilt with new synchros and bearings as well. The finished car was completed in August 2017 and has been road tested, dialing in the carbs and adding finishing touches as needed.

Today, this factory Super 90 356 Coupe presents very nicely, with an excellent body that displays great fit and gaps. The high quality Oslo Blue paint has nice depth and no significant marks or blemishes. The chrome trim has been substantially redone but shows light aging in certain areas such as the window trims, exterior door handles, and trunk handle, although the overall impression the car makes is very strong. The lenses, lighting, and various trim and script, many of which are new, are all in excellent condition contributing to the car’s handsome visual presentation. The doors, hood, and engine lid are reported to be original to the car. Outfitted with factory chrome wheels and new Vredestein Sprint Classic tires with minimal wear, the car exhibits a wonderful combination of purposeful stance and charming design, particularly in this striking color combination.

The entire interior presents beautifully, with excellent workmanship throughout and virtually no evidence of use since the car’s completion last year. The red leather on the seats, dash pad, door and side panels, and rear firewall is excellent, contrasting beautifully with the blue painted dash and exterior paintwork. The interior is further distinguished by the correct type headrests on the front seats. The remainder of the interior was done to equally high standards, including the headliner, sun visors, and correct square weave carpets. Instruments are in excellent functional and cosmetic condition, showing clear dial faces and great color. Although the vent control trim shows some pitting, the remaining dash and accent trim are in very nice condition, supported by a nice gloss black steering wheel, featuring excellent aluminum spokes, and glossy Porsche center emblem which shows light aging.

Under the distinct T6 twin-grille engine cover, the matching numbers engine and engine bay delivers a thoughtful and accurate presentation of the Super 90 engine using correctly sourced vintage Porsche parts, correct oil filter canister and Knecht air cleaners, and appropriate factory decals. The engine cosmetics feature proper finishes and coatings, correct hardware, and fasteners. The engine compartment is also nicely finished and reflects the comprehensive attention to detail of the restoration. The front storage compartment is also nicely done, retaining the correct trunk liner and factory VIN tag, and correct components including a chrome spare wheel with new leather strap. The undercarriage is further representative of a fully restored longtime California car, with nicely detailed driveline and other mechanical components, beautifully refinished original floor pans, and superb structure.

The car runs and drives well. The engine starts easily and is well-tuned, with good carburetion and plenty of power. The clutch operates progressively and smoothly, with good bite. The gearbox has good synchromesh although the linkage is not as precise as some other 356Bs. The brakes are excellent, with good bite and nice symmetrical operation. The chassis and suspension are tight, offering good body control and wonderful communicative and tight steering, providing the engaging experience that has always been a hallmark of the Porsche experience. The car comes with its original jack, some tools, desirable Messko tire pressure gauge, old technical books, camber compensator, a few spare parts, and old blue California license plate. It also comes with its Certificate of Authenticity and a thick file of invoices from the restoration.

As a matching numbers top of the line Super 90 model, this car is a rare find. These attributes, coupled with its superb original structure, comprehensive restoration, and stunning color combination, put this car near the top of the closed 356B desirability heap. Suitable to show casually or drive extensively, this car is sure please its new owner, Porsche connoisseurs, and vintage car neophytes alike.

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