Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356B Super Sunroof Coupe
s/n 114137, eng. no. 89532
Ruby Red with Tan Leather interior

Superlative restoration on a very original California delivery car
Factory Electric Sunroof with all internal drain lines and markings
LL Wood steering wheel, fog lamps, and headrests added
Stunning original tools and tool roll with tire pressure gauge

The legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the most sought-after vintage sports cars. With its unique profile, nimble driving manners, and race-inspired lineage, the first Porsche to proudly bear the family name of Ferdinand Porsche set the standard of engineering excellence upheld decade after decade in each new offering. Introduced in 1948, the 356 benefited from continual refinements until 1965, when production yielded to the 911. During this time, engine horsepower increased from 40hp to just under 100hp which was more than enough for a wide range of sports car enthusiasts. Many of the technical and engineering advances developed in the 356 would continue into production for the 911, but the purity and simplicity of the 356 remains today as an enduring reminder of what a true sports car should be.

This stunning example features an electric sunroof which is believed to be original to the car as it contains all factory markings, internal drain lines, and features consistent with factory installation. Completed with tasteful options including LL wood steering wheel, headrests, and foglamps, every aspect of this car has been beautifully restored throughout. Although not much is known about the early years of ownership, a 2012 summary describing the car indicates it had been an original California car from new until 1987 when it was brokered in 1989 to the next owner. The car was purchased in 1989 through German Motorcar Restorations, Sandown NH. A letter from that period discussing the car refers to the “original California black plates” indicating the car was originally delivered to California. The next owner purchased the car in 2006 and sold it to the current owner in 2012, who shortly thereafter, embarked on the restoration for the car as presented today. The car is accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity indicating it departed the factory November 29, 1961, finished in Ruby Red with Light Brown Leatherette interior.

During the restoration, the car was mounted on a rotisserie and all paint and undercoating was stripped by hand. All parts were finished with epoxy primer retaining the original floor pans and longitudinals, replacing only the battery box which was correctly welded in place per factory specifications. Both the hood and engine lid are stamped with the corresponding chassis numbers “137” indicating these are the original factory body panels for this car. While fully stripped, a new wiring harness was installed, and the electric sunroof was fitted with an NOS transmission and the motor was rebuilt with new cables installed. The door locks and ignition switch were rechromed and rebuilt, and the original mirrors were refurbished by Victor Miles. All chrome was triple plated to a very high level by experts at Van Nuys Plating and all gold trim was replated.

The engine was rebuilt using an exchange supplied by Stoddard. The motor is in sequence with 356 B 1600 S motors installed at this time but does not match the Porsche CoA engine number listed on the certificate. During the restoration, the distributor, generator, starter, and carburetors were all rebuilt, all engine tin was powder coated, and an NOS muffler with porcelain coating was installed. The transaxle was rebuilt with new bearings, seals, boots, and powder coated. A new clutch and pressure plate were installed along with a new clutch cable. The ZF steering box was rebuilt with original tie rod ends. A correct dual master cylinder with rebuilt drums and all new brakes and brake lines were installed. All hardware was replaced with proper plated hardware including nuts and bolts used for the engine, chassis, and body mounts.

The leather interior was fully reupholstered by Autos International using high-quality materials throughout including fitting the leather seats with correct leather headrests. A beautiful sunroof type headliner and correct square weave carpets were also installed. All gauges were rebuilt, the dash finished to a very high standard, the Blaupunkt radio and antenna were restored, and a Les Leston wood steering wheel with Porsche horn ring was installed.

Among the many features of this beautifully restored Porsche, the car is accompanied by an exceptionally fine original set of tools and tool roll, the original sunroof crank, the restored original jack, and original headlights (SMD bulbs), original taillights (LED bulbs installed for brighter night lighting) and a dual master cylinder.

Today, this stunning Porsche exhibits all the hallmarks of a superlative restoration worthy of any major Porsche concours. The beautifully applied Ruby Red paint is glossy throughout with excellent coverage over expertly blocked and finished original body panels. The body shell and factory body panels are straight and beautifully fit with excellent panel gaps, and tight closures. Even the electric sunroof panel has excellent fit to the roof line. The paint surface has wonderful depth and clarity, accented by the gorgeous tan interior visible through the window openings. The single engine grille displays the correct polished finish, fitting perfectly to the engine lid, revealing glossy paint on the inside venting chamber, an area often hastily finished on lesser cars. Below the grille, the gold Porsche script is impeccably finished flanked by original teardrop taillights with LED bulbs. The trim, emblems, and chrome plating all present in excellent condition, showing correct factory finishes with exceptional polish throughout. A pair of correct Hella headlamps are in place with original type SMD bulbs, while a pair of yellow lens foglamps are properly nested in front valance. The windshield, side glass, and rear window are in excellent condition as are all weather seals. The polished alloy center hub wheels are in excellent condition with vibrant polish and beautifully finished with Rudge “Auf” knockoff centers, emulating the rare original Rudge wheels with the added safety of multiple bolt attachment cleverly concealed under the Rudge knock off mounting piece. A set of newer BF Goodrich Radial TA tires are fitted at all four corners as well as for the spare.

The tan interior presents beautifully with taut fit over properly bolstered seats showing excellent surface finishes. The quality and cohesive presentation of the interior further exemplifies the finest in detail and authentic finishes. The seats and headrests are finished with precise perimeter piping and excellent stitching. The dashboard and beautifully restored instrumentation and correct radio present a stunning array of color and contrast, supported by a sporty wood rimmed LL steering wheel, with engine turned aluminum spokes, and a correct chrome horn ring with Porsche center emblem. Carpeting, headliner, and door trim are all in excellent condition showing only minor use to the driver’s footwell since the restoration was completed. The electric sunroof opens and closes smoothly, and the headliner has been correctly installed with excellent fit and finish. In all, the interior quality and feel is superbly composed, giving the car a satisfying and heartfelt feeling of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Even the glovebox contains the ultimate of rarities, all accessory items properly strapped in place laid into the glovebox door. Even the correct red string gold tag antenna label dangles from the driver’s side under-dash interior panel.

Under the factory original hood, the engine bay displays exemplary factory correct presentation. Engine number 89532 has been restored using correct finishes, proper coatings, original specification hardware, and accurate fasteners. The correct air filter housings, oil filter canister, and appropriate decals have also been applied per original specifications with careful attention to factory finishes, proper satin and flat coatings, not overdone as often seen in less qualified restorations. Components such as the carburetor linkages, correctly specified springs, properly coiled wires, and refined detailing continually impress even under critical examination. The engine compartment is also correctly finished and represents the comprehensive attention to detail afforded when the restoration was completed, down to the correct engine insulation padding.

The front storage compartment further supports the excellent workmanship and respect for originality, housing a matching spare wheel, correct rubber mat, and proper finishes. Here too a correct hood number (137) on the hood hinge correctly matches the serial number for this car. Properly finished components create a handsome visual harmony underlying the original body and professional restoration. The undercarriage displays correct finishes, the original floor pans with excellent mechanical components supporting the restoration efforts and minimal road use since it was completed. Wonderfully specific undercarriage details are all in place including correct shock absorbers, correct raw metal brake lines, remarkably clean engine and transaxle castings, as well as a correctly finished exhaust and muffler system.

The car starts instantly, without hesitation, and idles properly with all instruments indicating steady temperatures and all features functioning properly. Every aspect of the car from the amazing restoration to the wonderful driving experience contribute to making this 356 Sunroof Coupe a fantastic top-level Porsche. This wonderfully restored Porsche is accompanied by Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, assorted former purchase documents, copies of invoices, a remarkable original tool roll with tools and tire pressure gauge, matching spare wheel, and a factory tire jack.

This Porsche 356 is an outstanding high-quality example, ready for the next fortunate owner to enjoy. The expert restoration and stunning colors make this exceptional Porsche a wonderful example for concours shows, touring events, or simply to enjoyably drive much as originally intended when built by Porsche 60 years ago.

Please note this car is titled in Oregon as: OR114137.

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