1962 Porsche 356 B

If you take yourself into a Porsche dealer today, you could spend hours using their digital configurator to specify your next car. Making minute choices even down to the colour of the stitching used on the no-doubt optional floor mats. You could be forgiven for thinking that this level of individuality is something that was popularized in recent years. But the truth is, it’s something Porsche has been offering for decades.

The brand's first true production road car, the 356 is a prime example. For the second generation, the 356 B, Porsche made available a new body style that featured a unique roof and rear window line, dubbed the Notchback. Despite being produced by Karmann, Notchback production would account for just 2% of total 356 production.

This car therefore, is a two-percenter. Supplied new into the US in 1962, it was loved and enjoyed for over 30 years before it was parked up in dry storage in 1994. The car would remain in storage until 2019, when it was purchased and imported into the UK.

The theme of this car is sympathetic restoration, the car remains in its original shade of black. The paint is heavily patinated throughout. It adds a historic depth to the car that is so often lost with concours restorations. Some tweaks have been made, broken-in leather straps are mounted to secure the front bonnet and a period correct roof rack. Important jobs have been completed though, new window seals ensure that the car remains leak free.

Inside the authentic patination continues - the lovingly worn in tan trimmings are in-fact not original to the car. Fitted at some point during the 1980s, they replaced the original red-leatherette fitted at the factory. The gauges are all functioning correctly, and feature stunning period typography and colours.

Structurally, the car was subjected to an extensive regiment of restoration work. Completed by 356 experts PRS 356 in 2020 the work included replacing the battery tray, A-member, frame rails, longitude members, front and rear floor pans, pedal board and seat mounts.

The engine bay is home to something that makes this already rare car, just that little bit more unique. The Super 90 engine option was the most potent engine option available for the 356, making it an incredibly desirable choice. This car remains a numbers matching example.

The engine itself has been subject to a full and thorough rebuild, that included replacement pistons and con-rods. During the engine rebuild, the carburettors were also addressed with a full strip-down and refresh. The braking system, and fuel system were also addressed. A new fuel tank, tank straps and lines were also added. The car runs and drives excellently.

The 356 is Porsche’s DNA, every car that rolls off the production line today only exists because of the 356. It is an iconic piece of engineering, an iconic piece of design and the forefather of the most notable sports car ever produced.

Fewer than 80 notchback 356s are known to remain in existence globally, out of a total 356 production of nearly 80,000 cars. This example, with its extensive history, preserved originality and desirable matching numbers status is surely one of the best around.