1963 Porsche 356 B

The Porsche Type 356 was first introduced in 1948 and is today regarded as one of the purest, purpose-built sports cars ever designed.

The 356 B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point for Porsche's design progression and was given significant styling and technical refinements over the outgoing Model A.

The B added safety features demanded by the growing U.S market including all new sheet metal with raised front and rear bumpers and revised over-riders. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors.

Mechanically, the transmission and drum brakes were upgraded as well. A new deep-dish steering wheel and column refreshed and refined the interior, along with deeper rear seats.

By mid-1962 many model B’s were upgraded to the new T6 body which was to apply to the next Model C which saw a new larger rear window, twin rear grills and an optional beautifully re-designed horn-ring steering wheel.

Offered here at CTS we have a very original and unrestored 1963 Porsche 356 B T6 Coupe delivered new by Hamilton’s, Melbourne in Champagne Yellow over Brown interior trim and it is said just 40 RHD T6 Reutter bodied Model B Coupe’s were delivered to Australia.

Today the car has lived a charmed life under three very careful owners one of which had owned the car for nearly 45 years.

Still with all of it’s corresponding numbers to the Porsche Factory Data Card, this little 356 has been fastidiously maintained and the motor has since been rebuilt to circa 90 horsepower, so not only does the car look great, it goes even better.

Doing what 356's do best the steering is sharp and the suspension keeps you level and planted in the corners and whilst combining the 356's natural agility and arguably the best gearbox available for the time this 60's sports classic is none other than an absolute joy to drive.

Presented in wonderful order, the exterior paintwork shows signs of patina, the interior is unbelievably preserved still with its rear leather luggage straps, Porsche switchgear, original VDO dials and the original Blaupunkt Autoradio.

Accompanying the sale is its original handbooks, service and maintenance instruction books, original Porsche key pouch, Hamilton’s stock sheet, factory data card, set of tools, jack and spare wheel - today often lost with time.

Very original examples like this are becoming increasingly harder to find as demand in Australia and from abroad grows.

Well priced, and ready to drive off the showroom floor this 356 B is without question one of the most collectable classics to own.