Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B T-6 Super Karmann Coupe
s/n 214228, Engine no. P*700957*, P*713217* (installed)
Black with Black Interior

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 356 B 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. These unibody advances were coupled with the mechanical updates on all 356B’s (including more substantial oil pump, more effective bumpers, improved ZF gearboxes and shift linkages, improved brakes, and stronger connecting rods). 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 T-6 Coupe is rare in that was sold new in June of 1963 as a black exterior and black interior car, sitting on chrome wheels. Documentation on file indicates that the car was sold new in 1963 in California, and has remained in the dry climate of Southern California and Nevada for the vast majority of its life. The present owner bought the car in 2007, and has overseen considerable restoration works. Accompanying the car is its original Super engine case, and a high performance unit built by The Stable currently powers the car.

According to the present owner, this is an original floor pan and logintudinal car. Even the original body schutz is intact, just as Karmann did it so many years ago. However, the battery floor has been replaced, and done properly. There is no accident damage evident and no history of such, according to the owner. A 356 with an original pan is almost unheard of on the market today. The fit of the doors and lids is very good. The hood has never been bent and fits well all around. The doors, rear quarter window frames and related pieces have been expertly re-chromed. The windshield and rear window trim pieces are original. Rear window is original and in good condition. The windshield glass is an old PPG replacement in reasonably good condition. The side window glass is original, and in very good condition. The bumpers are very good and fit correctly. The deco strips are current reproductions, and correctly installed. The bumper guards are new reproductions in excellent condition. Period accessory exhaust tips are present in the rear guards.

The car has been repainted in its original black. The paint is very presentable, in keeping with top-tier driver standards, over excellent bodywork. Some bodywork was done at the door bottoms. The panels are straight and the car has a very original look to it. Overall, the body is very good order, and largely undisturbed.

The headlights are new Hella “Euro” units which are technically superior to the old sealed beam types, but also add to the look of the front of the car. They are an expensive upgrade. The blinker and tail lights are also Euro-spec. Another upgrade are the Hella “128” fog lights along with the correct dashboard switch. A Jeo Leoni headlight relay is fitted for full power to the headlights.

The windshield wipers are correct, and the radio antenna is in the correct place but is not original. The horn grilles are original “small rivet” versions in good condition. The hood handle is NOS with an original Porsche crest. The door handles and lock cylinders are originals, re-chromed. The outside rear view mirror is the correct Ponto S tabil type. The engine lid grilles are good and rear emblems are correct.

The seats, dash top, carpet, and headliner were constructed by Autos International (AI) and the condition is excellent. The door panels and rear liner pieces are original to the car and are in very good condition. Seat recliners are original, in good condition, and operate properly. The headrests were re-covered by AI, and the headrest fittings are nicely re-plated. The headliner has been redone in domestic black vinyl, as requested by current owner. The seat belts are original Hickok, as was fitted to most US-type 356’s by the importer. The dashboard is complete with all proper instruments, switches, and fittings. The clock actually works! The fog light switch is installed over ignition switch, and it is the correct type with illuminated knob. The radio is a 3-band Blaupunkt model which was usually installed in this model. The speakers are not original Blaupunkt, but are installed in the correct place. The steering wheel is a modern wood rimmed Nardi, a common replacement in these cars. The rubber floor mats appear to be originals, indicating very caring previous owners. The shift lever/heater tower is 356C type replaced by current owner. The odometer indicates 55,408 miles which is believed to be original to the car. The present owner bought the car with 42,000 miles indicated in 2007, and had been advised by the prior owners that it sat in storage for several decades prior to restoration.

The front trunk compartment is also quite undisturbed, with many original item is in place: jack, tool kit, plastic tank cover, spare tire, tire strap, water bottle, fuse cover, etc. Changes from original specification include the Optima battery and the duel master cylinder reservoir; those are hidden from view.

The restoration work was both cosmetic and mechanical. The original numbers matching engine case is included with the sale, but the presently installed is engine number P*713217* which is a “performance built” engine by Built by Alan Klingen of The Stable (at a cost of over $12,500 in 2009) for more power, yet remains reliable for normal driving. It has powered this car back and forth across the USA, and features: Big bore forged pistons in cast iron cylinders, SCAT crankshaft, 912 connecting rods, shotpeened and balanced, Dellorto 40 DRLA carburetors, Super-90 intake valves, Elgin cam, Remote oil filter with stainless hose lines, Stock exhaust and heat exchangers. The original engine case, P*0700957* is included with the car. The casting date codes are 27/63 and 23/63 and match numbers are “560” on all three case pieces. No other engine parts come with the engine case.


The transmission number is original and matching to the car. It is in it is in excellent working condition, recently rebuilt by Vic Skirmants of 356 Enterprises, LLC in North branch, MI in late 2011 with new tubes and “B” plates at a cost of over $2,200. The axle bearings and seals have been serviced, and the axle boots are recent replacements with no leaks.

The front end has been completely serviced with link and king pins, Koni shocks and steering dampener, rear torsion bushings and 4-wheel alignment. The car tracks and stops straight. The wheels are chrome 5.5 x 15 in very good condition. Tires are 195/66 x 15, make unknown but have an appropriate appearance for the car. The hubcaps are Super-type with Cloisonné badges.

Even more recently, all the brake lines and hoses were replaced, as were the wheel cylinders and (dual) master cylinders. All new tie rod ends were installed, as were new rear donuts and shocks. The wheel bearings were rebuilt, and the steering box was resealed. The electric system and gauges were also refreshed, the gauges having been restored by North Hollywood Speedometer.

The driving experience is truly representative of a well sorted example, owned by a knowledgeable Porsche enthusiast. It was recently driven to Long Island and then back to Nevada, which should attest to its mechanical order. This matching numbers equipped car is offered with Certificate of Authenticity showing it was originally delivered as a black interior and exterior Super on chrome wheels.

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