1963 Porsche 356B 1600S Karmann Coupe

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. 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 offered here is a solid and presentable dry-State American vehicle in lefthand drive specification which would make for a competent weekend driver being as it is, mechanically sound. It could or would however benefit from some light restoration which remains an economically sound objective given the realistic guide price at this auction. As a drivers' car the 1600 Super 90 with the 90bhp engine is a fine performer offering enough punch when needed but without sacrificing any of that kerb appeal. NOVA have been notified of this vehicles arrival in the UK and all EU taxes have been paid meaning this car, currently unregistered, is free to travel anywhere in the world with its new owner.There are only a handful of classic cars which both Mr & Mrs Collector both equally approve and the Porsche 356 is firmly one of these. Of all the well-heeled collector's whom we deal with, I have heard of none returning from auction with a 356 to the immortal words "you're not bloomin' keeping it..."As would be expected of a car of such perpetual refinement, the Porsche 356 Super 90 is widely considered the ultimate iteration of Porsche's first production sports car and this example is no exception.