Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Porsche 356B Coupe
s/n 212079, P*610174*
Black with Tan Leather 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. 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 car is a 3-owner California car from new. Its first owner kept the car until about 1967, while its second owner kept the car until 1995. The car is a matching numbers example that was originally finished in slate gray with black vinyl interior. The current owner commenced a comprehensive restoration, which was executed over several years and has been recently completed. The restoration was comprehensive and is well-documented, with many invoices for the work performed. The body was stripped to bare metal and the paintwork was renewed in black. The battery tray and floors were replaced, but the jack points and longitudinals were not and they remain solid and rust-free. The interior was comprehensively redone including seats, carpets, door panels, dashboard, and headliner, at a cost of nearly $5,500. The engine was completely rebuilt and hot-rodded, with big bore kit (the displacement is 1727.6cc), custom forged pistons, and Weber carburetors. The engine was line honed and the bearings, camshaft, and rocker arms replaced as well. The hubcaps were replaced, the wheels refinished, and new tires and clutch fitted. The weatherstripping was renewed, and countless small items addressed such as new clothes hooks, interior lights, and even instrument light bulbs. The chrome was renewed at a cost exceeding $4,000, and the brake system was rebuilt with new lines and wheel cylinders. There are also older receipts included from the 1960’s and 1970’s, such as a 1972 receipt for the purchase of four Michelin X tires for $52.49. The car has its original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio and correct dated wheels.

The car makes a very strong presentation overall, with high quality paint that has no significant signs of wear or aging since the car has covered very few miles since completion. The paint was completed to high standards, and the fit is very good. The chrome is also very nice, having been recently redone. The glass and lamps are in very good shape, other than some delamination to one of the rear quarter windows. The car has been upgraded with H4 headlamps. The wheels have been repainted, and the hubcaps are like new.

The interior is in very nice shape and has a fresh feel overall. The upholstery materials are high quality, and the execution of the work was very good. The workmanship on the seats, door panels, dashboard, headliner, and carpets was well-executed, and the carpets are of the correct German square weave material. The headliner was also renewed employing the correct material. The switches and instruments appear to be original and are in nice shape. The car is equipped with its original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio.

The trunk and engine compartment are both very clean. The trunk is complete with spare tire, plastic tray, and jack, while the engine compartment is very correct and clean with faithfully reproduced markings, decals, and stickers. The underside is solid, clean, and free of apparent rust at this time.

This car is an outstanding value and a delightful opportunity to acquire a nicely restored and usable 356 coupe. It is a lovely 3-owner California car from new with great history, documentation, and extras. It has been lovingly kept and subtly updated, and is a beautifully presented classic Porsche. It comes with four boxes of spares including hubcaps, original Zenith carburetors with air cleaners, handles, intake manifolds, tool roll with tools, and jack. It also comes with an extremely complete set of books.

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