Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B T-6 Super Electric Sunroof Coupe
s/n 122758, engine no. P*715128*
Ruby Red with Black Leather Interior

Introduced in 1959 to replace the 356A, the 356B brought further refinement and additional performance to Porsche’s increasingly popular and by then iconic sports car. The 1962 model marked further refinements in the form of the introduction of the T6 body, which featured a larger trunk opening, external fuel filler with door, and twin grille engine lid. As with previous models, the 356B incorporated the traditional Porsche values of thoughtful and functional design elements, high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness. Today new generations of collectors continue to be captivated by the timeless 356 design and delightful driving manners offered in these capable and stylish sports cars.

The current owner purchased this factory electric sunroof car in 1981, accounting for 37 years of the car’s life. Originally sold in California, the car’s then owner moved to Connecticut in 1976 and took the car with her, at which point the motor promptly blew up. The car was taken off the road and mercifully left on its black license plates. A 1964 356C engine was eventually installed, and the brakes rebuilt but the car remained unregistered and off the road.

Eventually, the car’s current owner became aware of it while living in Connecticut and purchased it with the intention of getting it back on the road to use as a daily driver. One thing led to another and eventually a complete restoration was undertaken. The car was stripped to bare metal and the doors, lids, and bumpers were acid dipped. Metal specialist Nate Cantwell performed minor metal work, including opening the front closing panels to inspect the longitudinals, which were found to be in good shape. These areas were properly cleaned and closed up, while careful attention was applied to rust prevention along with extensive rust-proofing. The entire underside of the car was hand prepped as rust was determined to be minimal.

Upon completion, the owner was pleased with the finish but realized the finished car was too nice to use as a daily car. Instead, he elected to drive it occasionally and only in good weather, storing it indoors, participating in local events, and servicing it regularly. During his ownership, the car has never been used in inclement weather, not even rain, and has always been garaged. When the restoration was completed, the car showed 70,000 miles and has since covered 26,000 additional miles.

The car has recently been serviced, including a tune up, oil and filter change, and lube, and a valve adjustment. The transmission fluid was changed and new axle boots were also installed along with new rubber fuel hoses. Additionally, new brake hydraulics and rubber brake hoses were installed, while the brake system was flushed and new Silicon Dot 5 brake fluid filled installed. New shifter bushings, new rear torsion bar bushings, and new front sway bar bushings were also installed, as well as a new set of Pirelli CN36 tires, new wheel bearings and seals, and toe adjustments performed for both the front and rear.

Today this factory electric sunroof 356 Coupe presents beautifully, and the restoration appears quite crisp still, particularly the paint, which looks more like a ten year old job rather than a 37 year old paint job. The body and structure are exceptionally nice, with excellent gaps and fit. The lacquer paint shows very nicely with high gloss and minor checking visible in selected areas when closely examined. The trim is in good to very good condition overall with minor pitting evident upon close examination on the door window frames and some minor hazing on a few other plated parts. The lenses, lighting, and various trim and script are all in very good condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation of this car. Outfitted with wider 5.5” chrome wheels and European Bosch headlights, the car has a great combination of visual and driving appeal particularly as it is optioned with the factory electric sunroof and original Blaupunkt radio and speakers.

The black leather interior presents very nicely with excellent fit and finish, showing surprisingly little evidence of use on the seat surfaces, presenting very nicely throughout including the door panels, carpeting, and side panels. The dashboard is extremely nice, having been treated to fully restored instrumentation by Palo Alto Speedometer during the restoration. The dash presents stunning black and red color contrast with the seats and exterior paint, supported by a gloss black steering wheel, excellent aluminum spokes, and glossy Porsche center emblem. The headliner is in good condition, showing slight bagging at the rear, while the correct German Square Weave carpeting remains in very good condition, having been protected by floor mats during the years of careful driving.

The engine bay delivers a thoughtful and correct presentation using Porsche parts, correct oil filter canister, correct air cleaners, and appropriate decals. Both the engine compartment and the engine itself are very clean, nicely detailed, and reflect the comprehensive attention to detail afforded when the restoration was completed. The front storage compartment is equally clean and retains the correct properly finished liner and components. The undercarriage is representative of a well-cared for, mostly dry climate example with preserved floor pans, battery box, and original components as one might expect from a car with this history. Further, the underside of the car is absolutely solid. Detailed inspection of the components, floor, and structure reveal a solid car reflective of mild use and regular service over the past 40 years.

The car is a delight to drive. The engine starts easily and settles into idle smoothly, reflecting the proper tune and recent valve adjustment. The clutch and gearbox are nicely paired with smooth engagement and excellent synchromesh. Power comes on strong in all gears and handling is particularly nimble with the wider wheels, new tires, and recent attention to the suspension components, bushings, and setup. Driving at speed, one is impressed with the integrity and feel of this car, offering smooth driving manners and delightful suspension in combination with the responsive engine performance. The car comes with an original owners manual, Blaupunkt radio manual and schematic diagrams, a partial tool kit, and a jack.

The quality of this particular 356 is difficult to characterize. Despite having been restored nearly 40 years ago, the car’s presentation remains strong. The quality of the work and the pride of ownership are clear in this car. Prepared thoughtfully and professionally, and preserved and maintained by a single owner carefully since, this Porsche 356 B, optioned with the rare factory electric sunroof, is ready to deliver 40 more years of delightful driving and enjoyment to its next fortunate owner.

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