For Sale at Auction: 1963 Porsche 356 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. 158625
Engine No. 0800969
Transmission No. 65973

The Porsche 356 was so beloved that when the 911 was introduced in 1965 as a replacement, the Porsche faithful were outraged. "A bloated GT" some said. Others claimed the new 911 was not a real Porsche. Porsche's clientele in the 1960s were a particular bunch: scientists, engineers, doctors, and workers in traditional professions where constant experimentation leads to progress. The car they all loved-the Porsche 356-through all of its progressions, was engineered and constructed in very much the same manner that they themselves were used to operating.

The 356 B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the midpoint of the 356 design's progression. In what is known as "T5" body style, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356 A series. Mechanically, the transmission and brakes were upgraded, while a new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. The "T6" body style entered production at the end of 1961 with the new-shape nose and squared-off front lid, plus a flat fuel tank in the luggage bay and fuel filler flap on the right, passenger's-side front fender, making it easier to fill up, as well as a larger twin-grille engine lid. The T6 also has the luxury of variable-speed wipers and a gear lever lock. A "Super" model with raised compression added an extra 15 hp over the standard version, while the even hotter Super 90 fitted with Solex dual throat carburetors added 30 hp-a full 50-percent more power than the base car! The 356 B represented significant advances in drivability and comfort over earlier 356 models and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.

According to a digital copy of the original Porsche factory warranty card, or Kardex as it is officially referred to, this charming 356 B Super 90 was built at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche factory during spring/summer of 1963, and completed on 3 July 1963 in the desirable "T6" Cabriolet configuration. The Reutter-built bodywork was completed as it appears today in its striking and rarely-seen livery of Ivory (Elfenbein 6204) over a well-appointed interior trimmed in Green Leatherette, featuring Corduroy centerpiece inserts adding a very nice contrast. The Porsche was equipped with the highest output pushrod engine available, the 90 horsepower Super 90 engine, which it retains today, along with its matching four-speed transaxle. Factory options included fitment of an antenna, a headrest, green-tinted windscreen and chrome plated ventilated wheels.

Destined for the sportscar-hungry U.S. market, the new Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet was equipped for the American market and sold new through Porsche Cars Southwest to its first owner, a Mr. Howard B. Utsey of Denver, Colorado.?The car is believed to have traded to its second owner in 1966, with whose family the car would remain until 2001, at which point the third long-term owner acquired the car. Despite its use in the high mountains, it is said to have never experienced any type of inclement weather, having been meticulously stored through the fall and winter for all those years, while being regularly serviced and maintained. While in the third owner's hands, the 356 Super is said to have been subject to a thorough refurbishment by Kundensport of Camarillo, California, including renewing the striking Green Leatherette and Corduroy interior, carpeting and convertible top.

The consignor-a noted Bay Area collector of rare European sportscars and special interest automobiles-acquired the matching-numbers three-owner 356 Super 90 Cabriolet in 2013 and has since treated the desirable Porsche to further comprehensive restoration work, including a bare-metal repaint in the factory-correct Ivory color, where it was noted that the Porsche retains its original numbered body panels. Today, this desirable 356 B "T6" Super 90 Cabriolet presents very much like it did when it first completed its desirable build at the Porsche works in the striking Ivory over Green livery. Fitted with a period Sapphire II Bendix radio, this powerful Super 90 Cabriolet is offered with the original Driver's Manual, tools, jack, the aforementioned digital copy of the factory Kardex confirming its matching numbers status and early history, as well as the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity.