1963 Porsche 356B T6

This 356 is a late B model (T6), which means it got such niceties as twin grilles to the engine lid, an external fuel filter and an increase in the size of its rear window. Aside from the standard disc brakes, this late 356 B is essentially the same as the final evolution 356 C that rounded out this popular model range.

Originally shipped to California, this Porsche was apparently built in October of 1962 and sold out of Competition Motors, Hollywood in January 1963. We know this as there’s a copy of what looks like the car’s original order form in its fairly comprehensive history file.

The car was first registered in California and stayed there until brought to the UK in 2002, allegedly undergoing restoration in California during the 1990s, although – as is often the way with imported cars from America – we have very limited paperwork from the car’s early life. In 2002, it was brought into the UK by the vendor, where it’s seen on-going renovation, paint correction and mechanical upkeep, via various specialists, ever since. When not in use (over the winter months) the vendor tells us the car was kept in humidity-controlled storage.

On the Porsche build sheet it records the colour as 'Rubin rot'. This translates to Ruby red in English. The USA restoration company painted the car in their best colour match and the newer paint lifts the appearance with a slight sparkle.

It’s certainly eye catching, and still looks very smart; that red hue positively ‘pops’ with its additional metallic flake. The contrast with the car’s considerable chrome also works wonders, the latter enhanced further here by an attractive – and no doubt useful – deck lid luggage rack. Front three-quarter ‘Reutter Karosserie Stuttgart’ badges are also a nice addition, for those in the know.

The panel shut lines all look very neat with the metal work showing very little in the way of imperfections. There is a small chip to the paint on the bonnet (nearside) and a few minor imperfections around the offside front indicator grille, plus some light stone chips across the usual exposed lower front panel, but that’s all we could make out.

Most trim looks to be in fine order, though we did notice some cracks to the seals around the headlights and the nearside three-quarter window. Tyres are 2013-dated Toyos, with an accompanying invoice in the history file. Wheels and hubcaps show very light patina but nothing more, the latter remaining highly reflective.

The cabin of this striking Porsche is a period delight, with touches like the original equipment (from 1962 onwards) gear-shift lock and Sapphire Bendix mono radio. The latter has been rendered largely redundant by the addition of a more modern Sony CD unit under the dash and accompanying speakers (invoice in the history from 2004).

Seats look good with their mixture of fabric centres and vinyl bolsters seemingly standing the test of time. Some seatbelts have been added but have tape over their buckles. Two small rear seats can be revealed by folding up the rear shelf, lowering it provides a useful parcel deck for luggage, if you’re travelling as a couple.

Stone guard can be seen on the inside of the front panels in the frunk, after removing the attractive Porsche-branded cover. There’s also an old tool roll, jack and spare belts too. Although the trim and fabric looks good, we did spot a little damage from some holes in the top rear of the driver’s seat. There’s also a scratch in the paint within the offside door jamb, but other than these minor issues, the cabin of this 356 still presents very well indeed.

The car has, according to the vendor, been “a joy to drive” and has “received annual services and oil changes”. He also adds that the car has, during his ownership, “proved totally reliable”. As if to further reinforce the point, the vendor drove the car over 200 miles down to us from Lancashire.

A very tidy engine bay (with no obvious leaks) greets those who lift the rear deck lid. The engine bay sound proofing is hanging down a little on the nearside, but apart from that, all seems well under here. Another note from the vendor, in the history file, states that the engine was overhauled – when the car was restored in the USA – with 1720cc barrels and pistons.

The car’s been sensibly upgraded with dual-circuit brakes up front, although the original brake drums and backing plates are still included with the car, should you want to put it back to original. A peek within the wheel arches shows some Koni shocks, and some drilled disc brakes up front.

The underside has been given a good coating of thick under seal, making the condition of the metal work tricky to fully assess, but having not failed an MoT since 2006, and showing no advisories on the current test (valid until June 2025), we think that speaks for itself. The vendor also points out that a spare engine and car cover are available by separate negotiation.

There are a lot of documents to show this car’s care, once it landed in the UK, too much to list in full. The clock has ‘gone around’ according to the online MoT history that shows 99,224 miles back in 2006. The same readout also shows a consistent couple of thousand miles of annual use since.

The following are abridged highlights from the car’s history, though we’d recommend having a read through it all at your leisure.

• 2023 – Rust in the ‘Frunk’ panel repaired by Pete Roberts, Preston along with bulkhead soundproofing replacement £792.
• 2018 – Another visit to Pete Roberts for more welding and paint; front/rear wings and door bottoms £850.
• 2018 – Lower door skin repair panel purchased from PR Services, Essex £156.72.
• 2018 – Substantial maintenance work at PR to cure leaks and get the engine running sweetly again, as well as fix the gear shift and cure front suspension wear £2963.77.
• 2015 – Dual-circuit master cylinder – Zims Autotechnik, Texas £283.25.
• 2015 – Rear Koni shock absorbers bought from PR Services £264.
• 2014 – Set of four Toyo tyres bought from Preston Tyre Specialist £218.16.
• 2013 – Brake disc ‘Stage 2’ kit bought from Air Kewld, Arizona $1285.
• 2011 – Clutch friction and cover plates – PR Services, £277.75.
• 2010 – Alloy oil cooler bought from Stoddard NLA, NV $466.
• 2010 – Welding to front bumper & nearside door, plus paint by Pete Roberts £220.
• 2006 – Numerous invoices from Porsche specialist Roger Bray Restorations, Essex including a number of rubber seals for the glass and Reutter front ¾ badge.
• 2006 – Various panel repairs and plates welded by Pete Roberts £1100.
• 2004 – Electrical work to ignition and charging systems, plus audio upgrade (CD player) by C&I Auto Electrical Services, Preston £1056.80.
• 2002 – Collection transport receipt from Automotive Car Transport, Surrey from Chatham Docks (presumably when the car arrived in the UK).
• 2000 – State of California Certificate of Title.
• 1962 – Copy of original order form Competition Motors, Los Angeles, California.

Good 356s are always highly sought after within both general classic and Porsche collector circles. This one has a great deal going for it, with its evidently excellent condition inside and out, backed up by equally impressive invoices charting recent care. This combination was apparently enough to award it a prize in its category at a Porsche Club GB event in 2019.

The vendor tells us that he’s enjoyed using the car for various Club events and drives, including those to Le Mans and Angouleme. He also notes that it has “no problem keeping pace with modern traffic” and “draws attention on the move or stationary”. We’ve no doubt the next owner will be just as enthralled by this car’s mix of talents.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £55,000 - £65,000.

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