First in a long line of exciting rear-engined sports cars, the 356 came to be universally regarded as a milestone design, a monumental achievement originating from the austere realm of post-war Austria and West Germany.
Almost 44 years after the last one left the factory, all surviving Porsche 356-series cars have become highly sought after by collectors around the globe.
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The T-6 model is easily recognized by its squared off hood contour, twin engine grilles and outside fuel filler, located atop the left front fender. The T-6 was to be the ultimate 356 coachwork development, manufactured from the fall of 1961 through 1965.
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Unfortunately, most Porsches of the period have long since taken up residence at the big boneyard in the sky, having been decimated by normal attrition as well as the dreaded rust cancer. Most of the remaining cars have been restored and are firmly ensconced in enthusiasts' garages and museums; to unearth an affordable, unrestored example is almost impossible today, even here in sunny California.
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This delightful Porsche 356B T6 "Dame" Coupé, VIN *118027*, is such a rare find. One of just 1,350 Reutter-bodied T-6 Coupés made in 1961 and sold new in Sacramento, Calif., it spent the past three decades in the Palm Springs area. A Porsche aficionado finally acquired the car in 2006--after it had languished in a dry garage for many years--and initiated a careful recommissioning.
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Documents include the small California "pink slip" title, past registrations, some with the stickers still attached, old maintenance receipts, the original driver's manual, and even a colorful, factory Porsche 356B sales brochure.
To this day, the car is still registered to its vintage, blue-and-gold California license plates. Irreplaceable!
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Let's now take a closer look at this California survivor, starting with the trunk.
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First, we remove the nicely preserved, black plastic trunk liner and the spare with its N.O.S. 6.00-15 bias ply whitewall tire, which still has remnants of the manufacturer's label affixed to the tread.
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When inspecting a 356, closely scrutinizing the battery box and "nose" area, inside and out, is of utmost importance. Serious corrosion always seems to start here. If you see any signs of rust, a missing tow hook, previous damage, or unprofessional repair work, you might want to walk away from such a car.
Here, the pictures speak louder than 1,000 words: she's 100% rust free!
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Another highly prized trait is the structural integrity of the Porsche unibody. Due to its inherent design and hand-built nature, major accident damage is virtually impossible to repair correctly. Uniform shut lines ("gaps") of doors and hoods are a great indicator of a 356's quality--or lack thereof. A test with a magnet should not reveal excessive amounts of body fillers, though some lead was used by the old-world craftsmen in Stuttgart to smooth out seams and corners. The front hood should not be "kinked" or bent. Finally, the last digits of the VIN should be found stamped in doors, bonnet and deck lid to ensure they're original to the car.
We are happy to report that this fabulous California Lady (German: "Dame") easily passed every test!
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The Signal Red (Reutter code #601) paint was applied about 30 years ago; according to the metal tag found in the door jamb, the car was delivered Champagne Yellow (Reutter code #747). The finish still holds a mellow shine and is best described as heavily patinated. There are no dents or major scratches, but a myriad of touched-up spots and other small imperfections that come with age. It's certainly not a car you would be afraid to drive on a gravel road at a vintage event for fear of acquiring another rock chip!
All brightwork is complete and in good condition, especially the chromed window frames. Glass all around is excellent, with a brand new, expensive windshield and gasket just installed.
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Chromed, 5.5Jx15 road wheels sport correct baby moon hubcaps. PIRELLI Cinturato 195-15 radial tires are almost new.
Note finned brake drum visible through wheel slots. Nice!
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Turning our attention to the Porsche's interior, we are again amazed by its simplicity and functionality.
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The symphony of green-on-black gauges, bakelite knobs, and chrome fittings looks especially attractive against the metal dashboard's red paint. Large, original steering wheel with its guilloched alloy spokes and and crested horn button is in excellent condition. All lights and switches work as they should. Dealer-installed MOTOROLA AM radio is a neat period item. Original black rubber floor mats provide a no-nonsense atmosphere.
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Black leatherette front buckets with reclining seat backs are very comfortable, even for big & tall drivers and Bratwurst-chomping, tuba-carrying co-pilots.
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Gray carpeting, door and side panels, black, perforated headliner and sun visors: upholstery is in a very good to excellent state of preservation throughout.
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Rear luggage compartment with two folding occasional seats.
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What are we doing back here? Looking for the engine, of course!
(By the way, the back-up light works just fine.)
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Inside the very clean engine compartment resides motor # P*74955*, a correct 60hp Normal unit, topped by a set of WEBER 40IDA carburetors. This ain't no glorified VW engine, this is the real deal, with enough power for the aerodynamic, lightweight Porsche to run away from the majority of its contemporaries on the Autobahn!
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For purists, the original ZENITH 32NDIX carburetors, intake manifolds, linkage, fuel lines, and canister-type air cleaners are included.
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Even the bottom of the engine looks clean, leading us to believe that a rebuild was performed, not too many miles ago. Except for a bit of seepage in the clutch linkage area, there are no annoying oil leaks. Check out KONI shock absorbers, completeness of heater system, and original muffler with exhaust tubing exiting through the bumper guards.
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Surveying the undercarriage doesn't net any surprises. Apart from a few dings and split seams on the left jack spur, everything looks the way it's supposed to.
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Floor pans and longitudinals are dry, clean, and original throughout. Having been a lifelong California resident, this Porsche has not succumbed to corrosion damage.
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Ready for a test drive?
Tuesday, October 20th turned out to be another sunny, warm day in Southern California and we were looking forward to exercising our Coupé. Since its original 6-Volt system is in fine fettle, the car starts easily. Let it warm up for a second, and off we go!
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Engine sounds great as it smoothly revs toward the tachometer's 5,000rpm redline, plenty of power signaling a thoroughly healthy motor. There's no smoke and the temperature gauge stays in the "green" area at all times. Original Type 741 transmission shifts easily through the gears. Brakes have recently been gone through and anchor the light car with authority. A short "to do" list would include installation of a new fuel sending unit--we'll have that done this week--and repair of the clock. (Thankfully, this 356 still features the practical fuel petcock with "reserve" position.)
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Yee-haw! 101 freeway, here we come! This 356 is a 47 year-old vintage automobile that still can hold its own in modern-day traffic. Superbly attractive, fun to drive, and very economical, the "Dame" really is the perfect classic car.
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Returning home, we are utterly smitten by the little "B" Coupé. A well-sorted Porsche 356 is still our favorite driving machine out of all the vintage sports cars we've ever had the pleasure to own.
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As stated above, finding a solid 356 is not an easy task. This one's certainly not a fully restored, $80,000.00 show car or aseptic trailer queen; however, it can be enjoyed instantly, just the way it is, definitely qualifying as a sensible and fun investment.
Here's your chance to gain entry to The Club at a very reasonable fee.
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You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.