1963 Porsche 356 B 1600 Super 90

The example we propose, identified by chassis number 213600 and first registered in Italy in 1963, is metallic silver with a beige interior. The engine is the 1600 CC developing 90 hp. The vehicle is in an excellent state of preservation, having benefited, some 20-25 years ago, from a thorough restoration. It was then stored indoors and maintained in the Editoriale Domus private collection. We want to point out that the wording in the registration document is incorrect: this 356 is the Super 90 with 90 hp and not the 60 hp as indicated in the document, a mistake made at the time.

The bodywork presents very well, with a brilliant colour and an almost total absence of the typical signs of time that appear in historic cars that are not freshly restored. The exterior surfaces are intact, without any traces of scratches, dents, or imperfections. A slight surface oxidation, characterised by the typical dark speckles, is present on the chrome parts, such as the bumper overriders or the handle on the front luggage bonnet. Some seals, for example that of the right taillight, are slightly cracked, but overall, the rubber parts have retained their original texture. The 15-inch rims are in excellent condition and well-polished. The same applies to the two bonnet cooling grilles and the frames of the glass surfaces.

The interior also appears well-preserved overall and nowhere on the carpets (which are anthracite-coloured, contrasting with the beige of the upholstery) are any particular signs of wear evident. The front and rear seats typical of the model are upholstered in leather and show no tears, cracks or splits. The ferrous side seat bolsters and door panels are in equally good condition, the latter being complete with the original window knob, soft storage pocket, arm rest and handle. The metal and leather parts of the dashboard, the Bakelite steering wheel and the typical three-part circular instrumentation with the rev counter in the centre are also in very good nick and present well. The interior rear-view mirror is slightly damaged and yellowed by time. Both the imitation leather cabin ceiling and the sun visors are intact and well stretched. On the inside rebate of the driver's side door we still find the original plate with chassis number stamping as well as the name of the vehicle’s German coachbuilder, Karmann.

The engine compartment is clean and tidy, well protected by protective paint throughout and thus free of rust. One of the three crankcases may not be original, but it is Porsche-made, coming from a 912 with a 1.6 engine. The engine has recently been started and run, showing that it performs well, although it needs a tune-up and a general overhaul to get back into perfect shape. Among the parts to be replaced is the petrol tap. It is likely that an overhaul of the braking system and, to be on the safe side, replacement of the petrol hoses will be necessary. The engine number, 1085889, does not indicate original equipment, but is a unit that is conform to the model.

The car, a German import example, was first registered in Italy in 1963 and re-registered for a change of province in 1990. It has long belonged to the Quattroruote (Editoriale Domus) magazine's collection of historic cars and, shortly after arriving in the company museum, was the subject of an in-depth feature in the monthly Ruoteclassiche classic car magazine.

The 356 is a great classic in Porsche production, as it is the model with which the German manufacturer's adventure began in 1948. The B-model benefits from a series of important updates compared to its first-generation sisters and is a comfortable, brilliant, and particularly usable classic car even for non-expert drivers. H.U. Wieselmann, the historic editor-in-chief of German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, wrote of the 356 during a period review of the same model: “Faster cars are being built in series, but I know of none with which one can go faster or, at the same speed, with the same safety”. In terms of its state of preservation and estimated economic value, the car on the lot for sale could suit two different types of collectors: those who wish to preserve its originality with targeted interventions and those who, on the other hand, are more inclined to do a more thorough restoration or maybe even a restomod, a trend that has become fashionable among younger enthusiasts.

Price estimate for this Porsche 356 B 1600 Super 90: €65.000 - €75.000

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in the province of Bergamo, Italy. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our “Frequently Asked Questions”.