1960 Porsche 356 1600 Super Hardtop Cabriolet
HIGHLIGHTS
Bali Blue Over Black Interior With Reutter Hardtop
Numbers Matching Example
Rare Super 1600 Specification
67K Original Miles, Same Owner Last 30 Years
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - 153902
Engine – 1.6L, 4 Cylinder
Gearbox – 4 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Rear Engine, RWD
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
The Porsche 356 is iconic amongst many collectors, as it was Porsche’s first series production automobile. Construction of the first cars began in 1948 in Gmund, Austria before relocating to Germany and production ran all the way to April of 1965. Over this time, the 356 models saw evolutionary revisions and upgrades in both comfort and performance.
The first major evolution in the production cycle was the “B” series 356, which came out for the 1960 model year. Also known as the T5, the new 356 B had a revised look with updated bumpers, grilles, and headlight placement amongst other changes. The 356 B continued to be offered in Coupe, Roadster, and Cabriolet versions, along with a multitude of engine choices.
The car here came from the factory with the more powerful 1600 Super specification engine, along with a rare hardtop cabriolet arrangement. The car was built at Reutter and has the matching Reutter hardtop (number 66121). Most recently, the car has had long term ownership for over 30 years, with careful summer time use and maintenance. The 67K miles showing on the odometer are believed to be original and correct from documentation.
This 356 has had some cosmetic updating over the last 40 years. Sometime prior to 1989 (specific record is missing) the car was painted Bali Blue, while the COA states that originally the car was Light Ivory. Furthermore, it appears the original interior color was red from telltale scuffs on the dyed black interior panels (doors and dash). The body panels are all straight with decent gaps throughout, however do show signs of light corrosion in a few areas.
The trim and rubber are all clean and presentable while all lenses are free from cracks or major flaws, and all glass appears original other than the windshield. The interior seating surfaces were redone in black leather in 1993, while the rear interior quarter panels and German square weave carpet were redone in 1999. Headliner in the Reutter top appears original.
The engine, drivetrain, braking system, and suspension have all benefitted from constant maintenance under current ownership. The engine starts easily cold or warm and emits no smoke after cold start. The engine pulls smoothly through the rev range, with no hesitation, or hiccups. A compression test was recently conducted and showed 120-125psi across all four cylinders. The brakes were recently serviced, and a full fluid flush completed.
The front trunk area is generally tidy with the rubber mat in good condition, with a date coded (12/59) spare wheel/tire, and the original jack is present. A newer modern battery (6V) was recently fitted during recent maintenance per records and is under a vintage look battery cover.
Driving this car is a treat; it is mechanically sorted and ready for weekend touring. The 4 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and precisely, and the brakes engage with purpose and stop the car with no pulling. It sits on original steel 15” wheels with proper date codes that have just been refinished. Also fitted are brand new Vredestein Sprint Classic 165/HR15 tires.
The undercarriage was recently steam cleaned to present the honest condition in preparation for sale. The metal all appears very solid and furthermore looks to be all original metal other than the passenger side jacking point repair. The car can be seen as a driver with original character, or an easy restoration project depending on desired use and outcome.
Why We Love This Car – It is all about the driving experience here, especially with the Super 1600 engine. The car has been nothing short of fun since arrival here for preparation. A true driver, with no excuse mechanicals for local or long-distance touring. While not original, the Bali Blue paint is a head turner in person, riddled with patina that makes the car approachable and usable. You could drive as is for many more years before undertaking a full restoration back to factory color combo of Light Ivory over Red and be smiling the whole way down the road.
Showing 67K miles on the odometer, this numbers matching, 1960 Porsche 356 1600 Super is offered with factory jack, spare wheel/tire, records back to 1989, and a Porsche COA.
Please call Jason at 206-355-7727 for more information on this 1960 Porsche 356 1600 Super for sale.
