Following metal, the tub entered the undercoating shop where the bottom was sealed and then re-undercoated to factory standards and texture. The bottom was painted in the correct shade of black, then the tub entered paint. While in paint, the exterior was sealed, primed and heavily blocked to ensure lazer straight panels and an outstanding foundation for the gorgeous paint the car wears. After detailed preparation, the tub was finished in its correct shade of Champagne Yellow using Glasurit paint. After the paint was applied, the tub was baked in our Binks downdraft paint booth to ensure proper curing and a robust final finish. The tub was then color sanded to remove light orange peel and imperfections.
Following paint, the tub entered the assembly shop where it was partially assembled before having the interior installed by AutoBahn Interiors. The engine and gearbox are original to the car and were completely overhauled in house. The engine received a 1720cc big-bore kit and now produces near 100hp. The engine upgrade in combination with a taller fourth gear added to the transmission make for a car that now drives at highway speeds with ease and increases the overall driveability dramatically.
The only visible deviation from factory specifications on this 356 are the added 356C disc brakes which provide greatly improved stopping power and continue to increase the driveability. CPR Classic will re-install the original drum brakes and wheels if the new owner would prefer to have them.
Upon completion of the restoration, the car remained in the collection at CPR for several years before being sold to a local client in the Riverside area. The car spent about three years with its most recent owner and was used sparingly. CPR regularly maintained and serviced it throughout this time and the car remains in the same fully restored condition that it was finished in.
This 356B presents a wonderful opportunity to own a 356 that will offer a better than new experience from both a driving standpoint and cosmetically. If you are in the market for a 356 that can be driven anywhere with confidence or shown immediately, this is a must consider example.