1962 Porsche 356 B S-75 Reutter Cabriolet
Matching numbers, UK-supplied ‘barn find’ example

Registration No: 393 NMG
Chassis No: 156202
MOT: Exempt

• Scarce RHD example, supplied new by AFN Ltd
• Dry-stored, awaiting restoration for almost four decades
• Largely complete, retaining its original matching numbers engine
• Quite possibly one of the most compelling barn-find opportunities to surface in recent years

The elegant Cabriolet versions of the Porsche 356 were conceived as refined grand touring machines, combining open-air motoring with impressive structural integrity and comfort. Built on a strong unitised chassis and equipped with a fixed windscreen, the Cabriolet featured a well-appointed interior, trimmed with heavily padded seats and a thick, multi-layer folding hood designed to insulate occupants from wind and road noise. Practicality was not overlooked: the rear jump seats incorporated folding backrests, allowing additional luggage space for extended touring.

Introduced in 1960, the Porsche 356 B marked a significant evolution of the 356 line. The later T6 body style brought a revised nose with a larger, squared front boot lid, relocation of the fuel filler to the top of the right-front wing, and the addition of twin grille panels to the engine lid. Engine options included the ‘Super’, ‘Super 90’, and the rare and technically advanced ‘Carrera’, all of 1,600cc capacity. In ‘Super’ (S) specification, the engine produced 75 horsepower, delivering lively performance for the period. With its 4-speed manual transmission, the 356 B 1600 S was capable of approximately 105mph and 0–62mph in around 13 seconds — impressive figures for an early 1960s sports car. All T6 Cabriolets were coachbuilt by Reutter, Porsche’s long-standing bodywork partner, marrying engineering precision with elegant open-top styling.

The example offered here, a 1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 S Cabriolet, has remained in current ownership for almost four decades. It is believed to have covered just 35,849 miles from new, whilst the V5C records only two former keepers. Acquired by our vendor in 1988 as a complete but tired car, it was purchased with restoration in mind. Ultimately, however, the project was deferred, and the car has since remained dry-stored and untouched until its recent emergence for photography. Supplied new to the UK via AFN Limited of Middlesex, correspondence with Porsche GB dating from the late 1980s confirms a build date of 1st February 1962, with engine number P 701559 installed at the factory. The original colour scheme was a period-appropriate Heron Grey complemented by a purposeful black interior.

While production figures vary according to source, it is believed that as few as 200 ‘Super’ Cabriolets were delivered to the UK in 1962, underlining the model’s scarcity in right-hand-drive form. Registration number 393 NMG now presents its next custodian with an enticing decision: to undertake a comprehensive, concours-level restoration, or to preserve and recommission the car sympathetically retaining its hard-earned patina, or perhaps to pursue a more individual interpretation.

Believed to be largely complete, prospective purchasers should note that some small components may have been mislaid during its 36-year period in storage. Encouragingly, the car is described by our vendors as “good and reasonably solid” in key structural areas including the hinges, windscreen surround, bulkhead and floor structure, through to the sills. As such, it represents an exciting and eminently viable restoration project — and quite possibly one of the most compelling barn-find opportunities to surface in recent years!

For more information, please contact:
Adam Sykes
adam.sykes@handh.co.uk
07429 600332