Porsche 356 B 1600 Super 90

Kramer, who fell in love with Porsches running a Volkswagen repair shop in his early 20s, claimed he had ordered a red Cabriolet in October 1962 which he thought would “attract the chicks,” but was mistakenly shipped chassis number 157576 finished in Heron Grey instead. In the interim, he had met his soon-to-be wife of 49 years, Pat, saying, “I had met the love of my life… I didn’t give a damn about the color anymore.”

The pair took the 356 on long trips through California wine country, and once their five children were born, on memorable family ski trips to Squaw Valley, Heavenly Valley, and Sugar Bowl. A digital copy of the factory Kardex on file indicates that Kramer received his Uhr. Plakette (watch/badge) in recognition of driving 100,000 kilometers in the Porsche, stamped 1964. His growing family necessitated a larger vehicle, but the 356 wasn’t going anywhere, once again becoming the primary mode of transport when the family Dodge became too expensive to fill up during the 1973 gas crisis. Over the next several decades, the Porsche endured a cross-country move to New York, a career change to the interior finishes business, and putting all five children through college, several of whom attended Ivy League schools. However, an early-morning collision with a deer on the way to work, along with engine trouble meant that the 356 was stored away in various friends’ garages for a 16-year period in the ’80s and ’90s. Once the kids had graduated and enough resources had been saved to consider conducting a restoration, Kramer entrusted Dick Hyland of New Jersey to oversee the process.

Completed in 2008, the renewed Cabriolet was featured in a short IFC film commissioned by Porsche entitled Welcome To The Family, documenting Hank’s life story. Following its restoration, the Porsche was frequently exercised and enjoyed by Kramer and his wife who were passionate members of the Finger Lakes Porsche Club of America Region, participating in all manner of events including track days! Today, this beloved 356 B 1600 Super 90 Cabriolet presents in white with a black soft top and luggage rack, and is offered from over 60 years of single-family ownership.