Footnotes

• Porsche's 356 became a classic in its own time, and the ensuing years have only enhanced the legend. For the then Porsche family run firm continuously updated the 356 from the very earliest days of the model, gradually replacing its early Volkswagen-based components with parts of Porsche manufacture incorporating carefully considered modifications. These detail changes came frequently, but major change was only made when necessary and after due consideration of their effect to improve performance, ride and handling, and the marque's enviable reputation of being able to produce sporting motor cars with competition-beating reliability.
  After a significant updating in 1955 with the 356A, the 356B was introduced in 1950, the firm's most significant evolution yet. Motivated in part by increasingly demanding safety regulations, the 356B had raised, stronger bumpers and raised headlights that noticeably altered the car's frontal appearance. Vent window in the doors and hinged rear windows enhanced interior ventilation. Improved Alfin brakes with cooling fins also benefited from air intakes below the headlights which channels cooling air to the front drums.
  On offer here is one such 356B Coupes, Porsche Cars Great Britain Limited having confirmed by letter 9 August that 356 chassis number 109004 (therefore an early Type 5 'B' with fixed head bodywork by coachbuilders Reutter who were acquired by Porsche in 1962) was first manufactured to American specification by Porsche AG during September 1959. The factory recorded number 600280 would indicate that the engine fitted would have been a Type 616/1 T5 1600ccc power unit, while the 4-speed gearbox number logged was 32342.
  Originally finished in silver with blue interior, PCGB also report that 109004 was subsequently shipped to the US, where it was sold to the first owner 7 October 1959. Following restoration, which included repainting in silver with an interior re-trim in red leather, the still left-hand drive car was issued with the current UK registration in August of this year, when it was MOT tested and historic vehicle taxed, certificate and disc being valid until next August.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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