Lot details Registration No: KGU113A Chassis No: 213167 Mot Expiry: Jan 2007
Under the stewardship of son Ferry, the Professor Ferdinand Porsche Bureau of Design began work on its first post WW2 car in 1948. Known as Project 356, the lightweight machine featured a spaceframe chassis and mid-mounted powerplant. Although, victorious first time out (in the 1100cc class of the Innsbruck city race), it was too radical to become a production reality. Reconfigured around a platform chassis (complete with rear-mounted engine), it was duly homologated by the state government of Kõrnten in Austria on June 8th 1948. Initially built at Gmund, the transfer of production to Zuffenhausen in 1950 facilitated a switch from hand-beaten aluminium to pressed-steel bodywork. Launched in 1955, the 356A benefited from uprated running gear (albeit still VW Beetle derived) and various tweaks to its all-round independent torsion bar suspension. Lasting for four years, it gave way to the more US orientated 356B in 1959. Equipped with a 1600cc four-cylinder unit as standard, this latter model underwent a facelift in 1961 when its heavily criticised T-5 bodyshell was replaced by the T-6. Benefiting from larger front / rear windscreens, reprofiled bumpers and a sleeker roofline, it remains for many the ultimate 356 silhouette.
Finished in white with black vinyl upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, paintwork), "very good" (chassis, interior trim, bodywork) or "excellent" (1598cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to have had just two owners since being imported to the UK from California in 1990, 'KEU 113A' is apparently accompanied by a history file that dates back some thirty-two years. Riding on "almost new chrome wheels" shod with fresh tyres, the Porsche has reportedly been the subject of "extensive expenditure including a full gearbox and engine rebuild by marque specialists". Boasting invoices from "Tower Porsche and Barry Curtis", this desirable 356B is offered for sale with aforementioned history file, MOT certificate valid until January 23rd 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until January 31st 2007.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035