During the tours I gave last week during Arizona Car Week, I seem to have spent a lot of time discussing the benefits of the Porsche 356.
The 356 is possibly the single best 1950-60s car that you can own for events such as vintage tours and rallies. Most of the benefits of the Beetle are incorporated in the 356, such as the simplicity of the mechanicals and tremendous reliability. That means many owners can carry out routine services by themselves. Think of the 356 as a stunningly well-built and beautifully-styled VW Beetle and you get the idea. In fact, you can use many of the same tools and procedures to do a major service on a 356 as you would on a Beetle. This to me makes for a perfect car for someone who wants to have the added involvement with his/hercollector car that one gets from working on it. Add the fact that a 356B is a much more capable driver than any Beetle and you have what many feel is a perfect collector car.
Today’s Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 1963 Porsche 356B located at a dealer in Costa Mesa, California. (Click on this link to view the listing)
Let’s get the most obvious thing about this car taken care of first: the color. No, the 356 was not delivered in Viper Green. A 911 color, it is one that has become quite popular in the last five or so years. This in no way bothers me as it looks to be an excellent paint job and, to my eyes, the color looks great on this particular vehicle. It also stands out when parked next to other 356 Porsches in a way that a stock color might not.
Originally finished in Silver Metallic (6206) with a Black interior, this 356 is a Southern California “black plate,” factory Super 356B Coupe with six owners to its history, according to the seller. Optional equipment includes an extended steering column.
The seller adds that the paintwork is in great condition and complemented by excellent bright work. He goes on to state that the upholstery is in very good shape and that this car features a VDM steering wheel, factory VDO instrumentation, CoCo mats, and a Saphire II radio. The 15 x 4-inch wheels are painted silver with Super hubcaps and are mounted with Michelin XZX 165 SR15 tires. The undercarriage and suspension have been completely detailed, and are solid and rust-free.
This car’s complete history is known, which is an added benefit when buying a 356. According to the factory Certificate of Authenticity, this 356B was originally delivered to Competition Motors in Hollywood, California. The first owner was a Mr. Rozeuer, who took delivery on February 2, 1963. The second owner, a Mr. Thompson of Whittier, owned it until the late 1970s. In the mid-1980s, the 356 was acquired by a Mr. McGrath, who initiated an extensive cosmetic restoration. McGrath worked with Herbies Auto Body in Los Angeles and changed the exterior color to Viper Green. At the same time, all chrome components were replated by Monitor Plating and Central Plating, and Ken Sorensen Top Shop reupholstered the interior. Essential trim and components required to complete the restoration were procured from Performance Products and International Mercantile.
The 356B remained with two additional owners in Southern California until 2016 when a subsequent owner took possession. Under this ownership, the 356B received updates including a new sway bar bushing kit, new clutch kit, and engine rebuild from the short block conducted by AASE Motors in Fullerton.
All of this adds up to a 356 that would be a perfect companion on the aforementioned rallies and tours, as well as something that would stand out at Porsche Parade or Porsche Werks Reunion in Monterey.
The real key to buying a Porsche 356 (or any car that costs less than $500,000) is to buy one in excellent condition. This is because the cost to restore a car like this is likely more than a finished car, so buy the best one you can afford from the start. This particular vehicle looks like a great way to do that because, with an asking price of only $89,500, I’m guessing the price does not even begin to cover the money put into this car.
If you are looking for a 356 and like the color as I do, this 1963 356B Coupe is just the ticket to the fun of vintage Porsche ownership.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
