Porsche 356 B 1600 Super

The 356 was created by Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche – company founder). In 1972, during a PCA magazine interview, he summarises his thinking behind the concept as: “I had always driven very speedy cars. I had an Alfa Romeo, also a BMW, and others… By the end of the war, I had a Volkswagen Cabriolet with a supercharged engine, and that was the basic idea. I saw that if you had enough power in a small car, it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered. And it is more fun. On this basic idea, we started the first Porsche prototype.”

This lightweight approach quickly gained the 356 its popularity, and combined with its power-weight ratio, the rear-engined layout, nimble handling, and excellent build quality gave the 356 a proper driver appeal – a proven formula that also provided a class win at Le Mans in 1951. Power outputs varied between 40hp for the original 1131cc engine and 126hp for the later 1966cc Carrera versions.

The Pre-A or ‘prototype’ Austrian built 356s were aluminium bodied, but when manufacturing moved to Germany, Porsche contracted Reutter to manufacture the bodies in steel, and eventually bought the company in 1963. Reutter retained the seat manufacturing sector of their business, but later changed their name to Recaro – forming the company we’re much more familiar with today.

In October 1964, the 356’s successor, the iconic 911 made its debut – but its enduring popularity ensured production continued well into 1965.

THIS VEHICLE

Sold new by AFN Ltd, Porsche main agent in the United Kingdom to its first owner John Croall & Sons the infamous Coachbuilder & past controlling shareholder of H. J. Mulliner & Co Coachbuilders in Chiswick which it held until 1959 until its sale to Rolls Royce Ltd.

An extensive history file is available with original period image & a well-written & photographed Porsche 356 appearing in magazines.

Currently under preparation & available for viewing at our showroom.

Please enquire for more information.

This vehicle is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.

WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.