Vehicle Description
1963 Porsche 356B 1600 "Super" Cabriolet
VIN: 158419
California car, one long term ownership for 48 years
Sympathetic concours-level restoration preserving many original
parts
Number matching engine and transmission
Has driver's manual, tools, jack and spare
Fully serviced and concours detailed by Canepa
1600cc 75 horsepower flat four, 4-speed manual transmission
Often times the visual that comes to people's minds when "early
Porsches" are mentioned is the classic and iconic Porsche 356. With
its timeless styling that evolved over the course of its 10+ year
production run, increasingly gaining power and handling
improvements during that time, it became a well-known and
well-liked sports car. With space for two front passengers and 2
slightly smaller passengers in the back, it became a sports car
that could be argued as "practical." No doubt helping with its
popularity, the 356 would cement itself as one of the all-time
greats of early sports car design and still reflects that today
with its loyal enthusiast base and strong values.
This 356B Cabriolet began its life on May 21st, 1963 and delivered
new to southern California to be sold at Competition Motors in Los
Angeles, CA. The cabriolet's second owner, William L. Kraisosky,
purchased this car at Al Pennett Imported Cars in Riverside, CA, on
January 23rd, 1965 for $3,600. He then went on to own the car for
almost 48 years, until December 2012. In 2003 he decided to perform
a complete ground up restoration of his beloved cabriolet. At the
time the 356 had about 90,000 original miles on the odometer, and
it needed a freshening up. The car had never seen any rust or
accident damage, but time and consistent use had caught up with the
Cab.
Its original paint was stripped from the car to reveal no damage or
rust, the body prepped and then painted in its original color. A
meticulous attention to detail was paid to ensure that all panel
gaps were perfect and that fitment issues were nonexistent. This
includes the body panels, doors, deck lid, and hood. The result
were perfect body lines from front to rear, at any angle, and in
any light. This 356 retains all of its original panels stamped
"419" as well as original door cards with "419" scribed behind the
original vapor barrier. The floor pans, trunk floor, and battery
area all remain original - a true rarity in the 356 world.
The trim is partially original with unrestored window frames, door
window trim, door handles, headlights, hood trim, and turn signals.
The remainder of trim are new Stoddard Porsche replacements. The
door glass is original with a new factory-type windshield from
Stoddard. The experts at Auto International refinished the interior
and top. The door panels, door chrome trim, top rails, and the rear
wings were in excellent condition, so they were left in original
and unrestored condition. The dash top, front and rear seats,
carpets, and mats are new. The original "5-63" gauges have been
detailed by North Hollywood Speedometer with original screened
faces and refinished bezels. The radio is fully functional and
rebuilt. The front trunk is detailed with new felt, a refinished
fuel tank, complete tools, a correct battery, cardboard cover,
battery wiring, and its original plastic trunk tray. The engine
compartment is original and unrestored with original paper
insulation. The numbers matching engine and transmission were
completely rebuilt, with only 6,996 miles added since. The engine
remains at stock 75 horsepower specifications with correct
date-stamped carburetors and other original components.
The third owner, known in Porsche circles for his early 911
restoration work (featured in both Excellence and Panorama) and
perfectionists standards, acquired the car at the Palm Springs
holiday in 2012. While complaining about the consistent poor body
and paint work being carried out in most of the 356 market, he was
stopped in his tracks by the perfect fit, seamless lines, and
consistent flow of this Cabriolet. While inquiring as to "if" the
car could be purchased, the owner stated that after nearly 5
decades of ownership he would consider selling. Later in the
weekend a deal was struck.
In August of 2016 Canepa sold this Cabriolet to the most recent
owner, who during his ownership took the same level of care to the
car for almost three cars. Recently returning to Canepa, the car is
exactly how it was when it first left. It was given a full
mechanical inspection and concours-level detail as part of the
"Canepa Difference" process. With a clean bill of health issued,
the car now is spotless and shines with a show-worthy glow. With
this amazing California Porsche 356B Cabriolet, its quality,
details, and sheer class just beg for you to drop the top and enjoy
the road.
