1960 Porsche 356B T5

The 356 is acknowledged as Porsche's first venture into production, and was a lightweight and nimble rear engined, rear-wheel-drive, 2-door sporting car available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Engineering and design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and its popularity as a road car.

The model was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company), based on an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, and initially its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were derived from the basic Volkswagen Beetle, a product of his Father's fertile imagination.

Porsche continued to develop and refine the 356 with a focus on performance, and by the late 1950s fewer parts were shared with its pedestrian cousin, and increasing success in competition and its availability worldwide resulted in the distinctive little car, in all its iterations, finding over 76,000 homes between 1948 and 1966. Today, the Porsche 356 is a highly regarded collector's car.

This beautiful 1960, LHD matching numbers example (confirmed by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity), was initially registered in California to a lady, who was the first of, we believe, four owners. After six years, it passed to its second keeper who owned the car for over fourty years with the last twenty being in storage. The Porsche continued to enjoy the sunshine, as its third owner lived in Texas which is where it was found by the current owner who moved it to Florida and used it frequently at his holiday home before deciding to bring the car back to the UK.

Our vendor is an enthusiastic collector of some wonderful classics, and although, when the 356 arrived back in the UK it was found to be absolutely sound, he made the decision to fully restore the car. The talented team at XK Engineering in Coventry are currently working on some other cars in the vendor's collection, and whilst known primarily for their work on classic Jaguars they have the knowledge and skills to work on any marque and have developed some innovative painting techniques, so were entrusted with the extensive restoration of this little Porsche. The engine was removed and carefully inspected with parts being replaced where required, and the brakes, suspension and all related mechanicals were dealt with in a similar fashion being replaced, repaired or restored. The bodyshell was taken back to bare metal, professionally prepared, painted and polished, all the brightwork re-plated and the car was then carefully re-trimmed in period style resulting in a car that would look at home on a show stand. XK Engineering then spent some time setting the car up and we are advised that it runs well and drives superbly. Completed just a matter of weeks before the auction, the vendor confirms he is absolutely delighted with the car but, as those of us that are keen on Classic Cars know too well, there is always another project around the corner and he has decided that his little red Porsche deserves a new home.

Finished in Ruby Red with a contrasting black leather interior, this tantalising Porsche T5 Coupe displays an indicated mileage of 58,000, and although unwarranted, the vendor believes it to be genuine. Immediately prior to the sale, the car will be MoT'd and is supplied with a V5C and the aforementioned Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

A great chance to acquire an exceptional and desirable Porsche 356, in fabulous condition, still gleaming from restoration.