Istorie
The Porsche 356 Cabriolet was a true luxury sports car in its day, as it was an expensive vehicle that, despite its diminutive size and modest power output, could cruise at close to its top speed of almost a 160 km/h all day. The car has seen limited use after its 2011 restoration and presents as new, with a highly detailed engine compartment, trunk, and chassis.
Full description
The 356 was the first Porsche branded production car: a lightweight, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door available both in hardtop coupe and different open configurations. Production started in 1948 at Gmuend, Austria, where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its autumn 1963 debut. Of the 76,000 originally produced (in 4 series: 356, 356 A, 356 B and 356 C), approximately half survive.
The Porsche 356 Cabriolet was a true luxury sports car in its day, as it was an expensive vehicle that, despite its diminutive size and modest power output, could cruise at close to its top speed of almost a 160 km/h all day. Its comfortable seats and thickly padded convertible top provided the fortunate passengers a very enjoyable travel experience.
This lovely 356 B Cabriolet is confirmed by its accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity to have been the 229th of 1,008 Reutter-bodied cabriolets built for the 1961 model year.
The car was restored to its correct original mechanical and cosmetic specifications by Hamilton Classics, of Martindale, Texas, with that work being completed in late 2011. It was repainted its original, very attractive color of Aetna Blue and has a red leather interior with a black top and matching tonneau cover. The car’s only deviations from stock are its conversion to a modern 12-volt electrical system and the installation of a set of wider chromed steel wheels, with the five restored original date-coded steel wheels being included with the car. Even though this Cabriolet’s original 1600 engine, number 604996, was replaced at some point, it currently runs a period-correct block that is only 261 digits off the original.
The car has seen limited use and presents as new, with a highly detailed engine compartment, trunk, and chassis.
This car has covered 78,817 miles (approx. 126,843 km).
