Porsche 356 BT6 1600S Coupe '62

1962 Porsche 356B - ex California

- Original and fully documented (extremely rare) California-born 356 that has been beautifully restored.

- Chassis number 118834 Engine (current and period correct) P701197 (S 75ps) original P607663 (not present 60ps)

- The car is finished in white with red interior - as original.

- Body has been restored by a professional classic car restorer - who was also the last owner

- USA plate EU customs cleared and French FFVE title obtained

- Possibilities to improve from mechanical and maintenance point of view (runs very well) hence price lower than market average.

History of this car.

The car was purchased as a new vehicle on March 14, 1962, by a California resident, Mr. Robin Nakabayashi, and was used by him for over 30 years, as evidenced by a few bills for gasoline, etc., from the 1980s and, more importantly, the annual license fee from California validated registration cards, found in the car and enclosed, shows the same original owner continuing to license this car until 1996.

Also enclosed is the early service history books and these show that the original engine (No. P607663) was replaced fairly early, possibly under warranty. The engine number in the first service booklet shows the original engine and also the new replacement engine (No. P701197) and on Jan. 25, 1964, the second service booklet also shows the current (replacement) engine number. P701197.  The service history stamps show the service mileage/dates up to Jan. 25, 1964 (mileage was 28,155 miles at the time).

Also included is the original 356B Driver's Manual, as supplied by Porsche with the car, when new.

There is a September 2007 delivery receipt taking the car from California to Virginia. In November 2009, the car was owned by a German specialty dealer in Virginia.  It was then bought by a Dutch dealer, photo of pre-restoration state when I bought it in May 2010 is on file.

Owner's description of this car

The engine was completely rebuilt in 2011/12 with new big end shells and also the heads were overhauled - this work was done by a Porsche specialist in the UK.  Unfortunately, by the time the bodywork restoration was completed, the specialist in question had passed away, so now, although no mileage has been done, there are certain areas regarding the engine etc. that do need attention.

Mechanical checks etc. to be performed:

Engine

Specifically the timing needs to be checked and the carburetors tuned, although at the time of the engine overhaul in 2011/12 carb overhaul kits were fitted to the carburetors, red generator light on the dash remains on when the engine is running despite newly overhauled voltage regulator (from Speedco in the Netherlands in October 2022) and new brushes in the generator (October 2022), Gearbox

  Oil level in the gearbox needs to be checked Gear selector needs to be adjusted (difficult to get individual gears because new bushing was installed on the shifter/shifter and since the engine was reinstalled in the body in 2022) R-axle: Nuts must be tightened to proper setting before use

Notes on mechanical restoration work already completed, etc.

An electronic distributor and new ignition cables had been installed on the engine.

The starter motor was rebuilt and at the same time a 6 volt starter motor relay switch was fitted.

Also mounted was an HLr light signal relay conversion kit.

A spare tire is included in the car along with the car-jack, wheel bracket, etc.

A small amount of spare parts and a spare 6 volt battery are included.

History of the model

The Porsche 356 was produced by the German company Porsche from 1948 to 1965. It was the company's first production car.

 The 356 was a lightweight and agile steering rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car that was available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of production and contributed to its success and popularity in motorsports. Production began in 1948 in Gmünd, Austria.

 The 356 was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company). Like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche Senior had designed), the 356 was a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-wheel-drive car using unitized pan and body construction.

Specifications

 Body

 Length : cm (in): 401 (157.9)

 Width : cm (in): 167 (65.7)

 Height : cm (in) : 132 (52)

 Wheelbase : cm (in) : 210 (82.7)

 Weight : kg (lb) : 934 (2059)

 Mechanics.

 Displacement : Boxer four 1582 cc (97 ci), rear-mounted

 Valve gear : 8

 Fuel system : 2 Solex carburettors

 Gear box : 4 speed manual gearbox

 Driven wheels : rear wheel drive

 Maximum power : 60/75 hp at 4500 rpm

 Maximum torque : 110 Nm at 2800 t/m

 Top speed : 160 km/h (100 mph)