Vehicle Description
1963 Porsche 356B T6 1600 S Cabriolet by Reutter
VIN: 158419
Engine: 700667
1600 Super (Type 616/12 T6)
Transmission: 64661 (741/2A)
158419 was built on May 21, 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 $3600. He would own the car for almost 48 years, until December 2012. In 2003 he decided to perform a complete ground up restoration of his beloved car. At that time the 356 had about 90,000 original miles on it, and it was in need of a freshening. The car had never seen any rust or accident damage, but age and use had caught up with the Cabriolet.
This original paint and rust free car was stripped, prepped, and painted. Meticulous care was put into creating perfect fit and gaps on all of the panels as wells as doors, deck lid, and hood aprons. The result is reflected in the perfect body lines from front to rear, at any angle, and in any light. 158419 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 signals. The balance of trim 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 rear wings were in excellent condition, and as so remained original and unrestored. The dash top, front and rear seats, carpets, and mats are new. The original "5-63" gauges have been detailed by North Hollywood with original screened faces and refinished bezels. The radio is fully functional and rebuilt. The front trunk is detailed with new felt, refinished original tank, complete tools, correct battery, cardboard cover, battery wiring, and original plastic trunk tray. The engine compartment is original and unrestored with original paper insulation. The numbers matching engine and transmission have been rebuilt within the previous ten thousand miles. The engine remains at stock 75hp specs 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 much 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.
Now this amazing Cabriolet is available once again. Fully serviced, and concours detailed top and bottom by the staff at Canepa, this amazing 356 is ready to win at any show, or transport you back to 1960s Los Angeles.
