1961 Porsche 356 B Super 90 Historic Road Rally Car

The 356 model is acknowledged as Porsche's first production car and was a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and popularity.

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, its mechanicals (including engine, suspension and chassis) were derived from the Volkswagen.

Porsche re-engineered and refined the car with a focus on performance. By the late '50s many fewer parts were shared between Volkswagen and Porsche and increasing success with its racing and road cars brought Porsche orders for over 10,000 units in 1964, and by the time 356 production ended in 1965 approximately 76,000 had been produced. Today, the Porsche 356 is a highly regarded collectors car with the Super 90 amongst the most desirable 356 models partially due to the models much enjoyed success in rallying: the 24 hours of Le Mans, the 1000 km Buenos Aires, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, as well as many other important motorsport events.

The car on offer today is an original UK supplied RHD car, designated a T5 356B Super 90 that has had just 8 previous owners in its 51 years and comes complete with the original "Green Logbook' (RF60) and similar continuation book.

The car is nicely prepared for Historic Road Rallying and successfully completed the 1999 Monte Carlo Rally Historique. Since that date it has been maintained regardless of cost with over £29,000 being expended at marque specialists, excluding the cost of the base vehicle.

Work carried out includes: an engine rebuild by Barry Curtis; exhaust and heater replacement by Barry Curtis; refurbished front suspension with new kingpins by Gantspeed; brake overhaul including new wheel cylinders by Gantspeed; new clutch by Gantspeed; conversion to 12volt electrics by Gantspeed including a new wiring loom, starter motor, lights, etc ; new steering shaft by Roger Bray.

The present owner has enjoyed the car on the following events: 2010 Scottish Tour; 1000ml Tour with Classic Car Tours (Mike Kirk); 2011 Tour with Special Tests, HRCR and, being a garage owner, has continued to maintain the vehicle to a high standard both mechanical and bodily.

An interest in the car was shown by eight times World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb when he visited the owners garage business whilst "receeing' for Wales Rally GB in November 2010 and he subsequently signed the roof of the car which has now been professionally lacquered over for posterity.

The vendor states that it is a very reliable car, on the button and ready to enjoy. It will be supplied with a new MOT in readiness for the sale and benefits from Historic Road Fund Licence and of course qualifies for Classic Car Insurance.

This is an excellent opportunity to obtain a good example of a model that has rapidly increased in value in the recent past and one that can be enjoyed in a competitive environment at very modest cost.