Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B Super Coupe
s/n 213634, Engine no. P*705941*
Signal Red with Black

Introduced to replace the 356A in 1959, the 356B brought new levels of civilization and refinement to Porsche’s increasingly popular and capable sports car line. While the A and C models of the 356 have traditionally attracted the most attention from mainstream collectors, the 356B is an underappreciated and comparatively affordable avenue into classic Porsche ownership. 1962 marked the introduction of the T6 body, with its larger trunk opening, external fuel filler with door, and twin grille engine lid. As always, the cars incorporated thoughtful and functional design, along with the tried and true Porsche dogmas of high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness.

This particular example is a number-matching Super specification car, delivered new through Art Bunker Motor as a US market example. Having been in the advantageous dry climate of California since the 1970s, it retains is original floor pans and battery box, in addition to its original engine. During the 1980s both the engine and the transmission were rebuilt, about 35,000 miles ago. The ownership history is well known, and it has been with a 356CAR club member since 1983. Remarkably, the car is accompanied by the original Bill of Sale, and delivery documentation from 1963 at Ark Bunker Motors!

As would be expected of an undisturbed, German-built unibody car, the panel match is very good throughout. Pre-restoration pictures on file (and included here) depict a nearly mint body in bare metal awaiting paint. Today, the paintwork has aged, and is of serviceable driver quality. This is also true of the chrome inside and out. A very smart chrome luggage rack has been added, and the car sits on vented chrome wheels.

The interior, which is largely original, is showing its age a bit as well, especially the seats which are splitting at some of the seams on the driver’s side. A passenger’s headrest has been added, as have armrests, a Blaupunkt radio, and a horn ring. The gauges and original switchgear remain, and are in very nice condition.

The engine bay is very attractive, and does not require any meaningful restoration work. The correct finishes were applied when the engine was rebuilt, and the correct air cleaner housing, oil filter housing, and ancillary decals are in place. The underside is structurally excellent and original, just not overly detailed.

The car starts easily, and the engine makes good power. The brakes are effective, with only minor run-out evident in the drums. All the drums measured are within specification suggesting that they could be turned. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the linkage is well adjusted. The steering is reasonably precise, and overall, the car has a robust and reliable mechanical feel.

Included with the car are the spare chrome wheel, a jack, and a lug wrench, plus a second ignition key, the correct glove box key, a bra, and car cover.

As a mechanically rebuilt, matching numbers, longtime California car with a predominately undisturbed body, this Super specification coupe is the ideal basis for a comparatively straightforward and inexpensive cosmetic restoration, or quite frankly, could be used exactly as-is by the next custodians as a characterful driver condition car to enjoy on a daily basis.

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