1963 Porsche 356B Cabriolet

Vehicle Overview

Currently at our Monterey Showroom is this 1963 Porsche 356 B Cabriolet. Tastefully presented in a coveted paint and interior scheme of Slate Grey over Red Leather interior, this 1600 Reutter built Cab is gorgeous from every angle.

Accompanied with its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the following information was provided with Chassis no. 158564:

Production Complete Date – 06/05/1960

Engine Number/Type – 610839 (616/1)

Transmission Number/Type – 65233 (741/2A)

Exterior Paint Color/Code – Slate Grey/6201

Interior Material Color/Type – Red Leather/A

Optional Equipment

·       Exterior Mirror

·       Blaupunkt Radio ‘Frankfurt”

·       2 Loudspeakers

·       Antenna

·       Conti Tires

Presented in a nice and recent paint job, matching the original color code of Slate Grey.

Interior shows signs of use and patina throughout, matching nicely with replacement items as well. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather. No cracks or tears in the front seats, but there was some wearing on the armrest portion of the door cards. Dash is excellent, both on the padded upper as well as the painted lower half.

Front seats appear to be dyed and some point, showing a bit richer in color than the standard Red Leatherette from the factory, while the back fold-down seats are near perfect and correct. The carpet is the correct square weave and covered in the front and back by black rubber floor mats. Three-point seatbelts are currently installed.

We were pleased with the convertible top, which is tan with a matching tonneau cover, and overall in great shape with a clear back window.

A pleasant surprise is the fact the car comes with a matching hardtop in body color Slate Grey. The much-appreciated rolling rack to store the top also comes with the car.

Converted front disc brakes help with the overall drivability of the car in modern traffic. During our test drive, the car seemed very planted on the road, didn’t pull in any one direction. Steering was light yet firm.

The engine bay shows signs of consistent care. We have confirmed the engine is the correct and original matching-numbers unit, while the trans is numerically out of an earlier car. Synchro’s are solid, no signs of grinding in any of the four gears.

Brightwork is more than acceptable. The deco trim, bumper over riders, headlight and light surrounds are solid, with some minor road wear seen. The trim around the correct Sigla windshield appears to be older and possibly original, with signs of wear over the years. Both side mirrors are like-new as well as all of the light lenses and housings.

Front trunk area houses a matching spare and the plastic covering batch-board, which was correct for a 1963 model 356.

Records are good with the past owner, showcasing a great deal of care and commissioned ground-up restoration work. Bruce Baker Enterprises out of Collegeville, PA did the majority of the work for his Pennsylvania owner.

Here is an opportunity to acquire a very solid and strong running Porsche 356 with the advantage a Cabriolet with a hardtop provides.