LOT 231 1959 Porsche 356B Cabriolet


SPECIFICATION Registration


Chassis No. Engine No.


Odometer Reading Estimate


Unregistered 86949 n/a


76,994 £40,000 - £50,000 The Porsche 356 was the company’s first production


automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear- engine, rear-wheel-drive, two door sports car available in hardtop and convertible configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965; well after the replacement model 911 made its autumn 1963 debut. It is estimated approximately half of the total production of 76,000 356s still survive. Little noticed at its inception, the first 356s sold primarily in Austria and Germany. From the first prototype in 1948, it took Porsche about two years to manufacture the first 50 cars. By the early 1950s, the 356 had


56


gained some renown among enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic for its aerodynamics, handling, and excellent build quality. It was common for owners to race the car as well as drive it on the street. Increasing success with its racing and road cars brought Porsche orders for over 10,000 units in 1964, and when 356 productions ended in 1965, approximately 76,000 had been produced. This Reuter coachbuilt Porsche 356B was supplied in October


1959 by Hoffman of New York. Max Hoffman was the sole importer of Porsches (as well as other European motorcars) into the United States right through the fifties and sixties. This 356B was originally supplied in ruby red but sometime in the 1980s, it was subject to a restoration that included repainting the car in white with a new black interior and up-rating the engine to a 1600cc, 912 power unit. More recently the carpets have been replaced. This car was imported into the United Kingdom in September 2010 and is described as running and driving well. It is supplied with USA registration documents, a letter of confirmation from Porsche Cars GB and the necessary VAT documents showing the taxes have been paid for registration within the EU. The Porsche 356 has become, in recent years, a highly collectable investment which is not only good fun but extremely reliable.


Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Buyers are advised to inspect the car in person or use a professional to carry out this service.


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