Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B Super 90
s/n 214070, engine no. P*0800814*
Heron Grey with Red Leather

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, including the top of the line Super 90 series engine, capable of 90 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. 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.

This fascinating matching-numbers 356 Super 90 was a long-term California car, purchased from the original owner by award winning Porsche restoration expert Ted Blake. According to the original dealership Bill of Sale included with the car, this particular example sold new by Johnson-Pacific Porsche of Oakland, California in September of 1963. The car was delivered the first owner finished in 6270 Heron Grey with black interior. Options included an Outside Mirror, Blaupunkt AM/FM Radio, Trailer Hitch, and Chrome Wheels. Total purchase price was $5,135.40. The original owner used the car for many years, completing the service book entries rather regularly beginning on September 19, 1963 with 311 miles, September 30, 1963 with 1,702 miles, December 2, 1963 with 3,636 miles, and October 1, 1964 with 16,285 miles. His exuberance in covering over 16,000 miles in one year is a testimony to his joy driving the car. The original owner used the car until the mid 1980s until storing it. Porsche restoration expert Ted Blake recalls seeing the car at that time in Sacramento, CA, observing no exterior body damage. Delighted by the largely original condition, California ownership, documentation, and black and yellow California plates, Blake purchased the car from the widow of the original owner in the late 1990s. Bringing the car to his shop, he was impressed with the outstanding originality and dry climate use, which had preserved so much of the original body panels. Blake used the car for a brief period of time before embarking on the restoration, applying extra care, as it was one of his personal cars. The restoration was completed in 2013, at which time Fantasy Junction sold the car to its current owner, a Northern California collector.

Today, this matching numbers Super 90 exhibits all the hallmarks of the high-quality restoration performed by expert Ted Blake. The beautifully applied Heron Grey paint is glossy throughout with excellent coverage over expertly blocked and finished original body panels. The body shell and all matched panels are straight and beautifully fit with excellent panel gaps, and tight closures. Both front and rear lids bear stamps on the latches to support the originality of the panels. The paint surface has wonderful depth and clarity, accented by the red interior peeking through the window openings. The twin grille displays the correct polished finish, fitting perfectly to the engine lid, revealing glossy paint on the inside venting chamber, an area often done to a lower standard by lesser restoration shops. Below the twin grille, the gold Porsche Super 90 script reveals the original engine heritage, flanked by the California black and yellow plate. The trim, emblems, and chrome plating all present in excellent condition, showing correct factory finishes. A pair of Hella headlamps are correctly in place as are the iconic teardrop tail lights, both of which are in exceptional condition. The glass is in excellent condition including the windshield, which only shows minor evidence of road use. The chrome plated wheels are in excellent condition and are believed to be the original set delivered with the car. A set of Michelin 165 SR15 tires complete the confident stance.

The red leather interior presents beautifully with taut fit over properly bolstered seats showing excellent surface finishes. The quality and cohesive presentation of the interior further exemplifies the extra level of attention Blake gave this car. The dashboard and beautifully restored instrumentation present a stunning array of color and contrast, supported by the desirable VDO wood rimmed steering wheel with polished aluminum spokes, a correct chrome horn ring, and Porsche center emblem. Carpeting, headliner, and door trim are all in excellent condition showing only minor use since the restoration was completed. In all, the interior quality and feel is superbly executed, giving the car a warm, inviting feel that is reminiscent of the heartfelt custodianship provided by the original owner and restored by a respectful expert.

Under the hood, the engine bay displays exemplary factory correct presentation. The original matching numbers engine has 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, proper satin and flat coatings, not overdone as often seen in restorations of lesser quality. Components such as the Solex carburetor linkages, correctly specified springs, properly coiled wires, and refined detailing continually impress even under critical examination. The engine compartment is also correctly finished and represents the comprehensive attention to detail afforded when the restoration was completed. The front storage compartment further supports the excellent workmanship and respect for originality. A date coded spare tire rim, correct hood number stampings, and properly finished components create a handsome visual harmony underlying the original body and long-term ownership. The undercarriage displays correct finishes and beautiful floor panels (expertly renewed during the restoration) with excellent mechanical components supporting the restoration efforts and minimal road use since it was completed. Wonderfully specific undercarriage details are all in place including Koni shock absorbers, correct raw metal brake lines, remarkably clean engine and transaxle castings, and the Super 90 specific camber compensator.

The car starts easily, without hesitation, quickly releasing the extra horsepower of the Super 90, idling patiently as the engine warms to operating temperature. The clutch and gearbox are nicely paired with smooth engagement, making for easy acceleration even under moderate traffic conditions. From the outset, the extra thrust of the Super 90 engine and the superbly tuned character of this particular unit is obvious. Once on the open road, power comes on strong in all gears, with excellent power throughout the rev range. Handling is joyfully nimble entering every corner or exiting an apex. Driving at speed, one is impressed with the integrity and feel of this matching numbers car, providing smooth driving manners as only an expertly restored 356 can offer. The delightful suspension in combination with the surprisingly responsive Super 90 motor and smooth gearbox reminds one of how remarkable these cars were when new. This wonderfully restored Porsche is accompanied by the original purchase invoice, assorted original purchase documents, stamped service booklet, Driver's Manual, Blaupunkt Car Radio directory in the original yellow acetate case, tool roll, and tire jack.

This Porsche 356 Super 90 is an outstanding high-quality, matching numbers example, ready for display or partake in any event or tour. The expert restoration and stunning colors make this exceptional Porsche Super 90 a wonderful example for concours shows, touring events, or simply to enjoyably drive much as the original long-term owner joyfully did for so many years.

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