Vehicle Description
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California car, long term single ownership for 48 years
Sympathetic concours-level restoration preserving many original
parts
Number matching engine and transmission
Complete with driver's manual, tools, jack and spare
Fully serviced and concours detailed by Canepa
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 rear, 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 21, 1963 and was
delivered new to southern California to be sold at Competition
Motors in Los Angeles. The cabriolet's second owner, William L.
Kraisosky, purchased this car at Al Pennett Imported Cars in
Riverside, CA, on January 23, 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 travelled approximately 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 taken its toll.
Its original paint was stripped from the car to reveal no damage or
rust whatsoever, and the body was prepped and then painted in its
original color. Meticulous attention to detail was paid to ensure
that all panel gaps were perfect, and alignment issues nonexistent.
This includes the body panels, doors, deck lid, and hood. The
result was 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 items are new Stoddard Porsche replacements.
The door glass is original with a new factory-type windshield from
Stoddard. The experts at Autos 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 7,601 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 care entrusted Canepa to provide the same
high level of maintenance to the car throughout his ownership.
Recently returning to Canepa, the car is exactly how it was when it
first left. It has been 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 is once again spotless,
and shines with a show-worthy glow, ready to delight a new
caretaker.