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Factory Sunroof! 1962 Porsche 356 B

The 356 has the distinction of being the first production car ever manufactured by Porsche, with its roots dating back to the late 1940s.  Over time, the car received some refinements, and in 1955 it was rebadged the 356 A.  More significant changes were implemented beginning with the 1960 model, and the 356 B was born.  If you’re into the T5 styling, perhaps this 1962 Porsche 356 may be to your liking, which is actually a mid-year offering as it’s got the T6 body, featuring an additional grille on the engine lid.  This one’s located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and for sale here on eBay, with bidding currently resting at $13,101 and a reserve yet to be seen.

Since the mid-seventies, this 356 B has been in the States, with the seller correctly stating that the years have not been kind to its body.  The owner also says it’s still wearing a lot of the original Oslo blue paint, with at least the trunk and lower front receiving a respray at some point, and I guess technically he’s right when mentioning that the finish could possibly be buffed out.  But a tetanus shot and investing in a pair of really thick gloves might be a smart prerequisite before making this attempt, as rust seems to be a fairly comprehensive issue.

Things inside may have fared a bit better, but I’m in agreement with the seller’s saying that the Porsche is in need of a total restoration.  There are holes in the top and bottom of the unibody, including a large one behind the driver’s seat.  But the gauges seem to all still be present in the dash, although the radio is missing, and that electric sunroof isn’t exactly a common accessory, although it does appear like leaking has been a problem.

Some good news is that the engine is operational.  It’s said to start, idle, and run well, but that’s based on using an external electric fuel pump and a gas jug, as the manual pump and gas tank are said to likely be in need of attention.  After being off the road for about 45 years, I’m guessing a thorough going through of the drivetrain will be in order, plus buyer beware that the dreaded rodent bedding is implied.  The next owner’s got a job on their hands, but as the seller says the end result will be a valuable Porsche 356 B, and a T6 example at that.  Is this a project you’d consider tackling?

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Someone better hurry and see the reserve soon as this one might rust away before that happens.

    Like 31
  2. Avatar angliagt Member

    DARN IT! – I was in Harrisonburg a week ago.
    I could have taken $50,000 in cash & sealed the deal.

    Like 7
    • Avatar John Beekman

      I have a nice one 63B in my barn!

      Like 0
      • Avatar angliagt Member

        Personal check accepted?

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Todd J. Member

    Red meat for the Porsche haters.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Jerry Bramlett

      You called?

      Absolute money pit. And when you’re done, you’ll have a very expensive VW. Pass.

      Like 22
      • bobhess bobhess Member

        Don’t get it. VW and Porsche two different companies, There is not one VW part on this car. Even the parts that rusted away have nothing to do with VW. Might try commenting on something you know something about. It would be much more informative that way.

        Like 19
      • Avatar Bob P

        According to the Porsche Club of America (PCA.org), “the 356 shared many parts with the contemporary air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle, but had a completely unique body structure with a more aerodynamic shape and a more powerful engine.”

        Like 4
      • bobhess bobhess Member

        Bob P. Correct. Front control arms and rear torsion bar suspension were based on VW design.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar mike

    Porsche owners are a different breed.Some one will try to save this mess.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar BlondeUXB Member

    This 356 sports the ultra-rare front quarter fresh air vent to cool the driver’s accelerator foot…

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Dario

    Needs a roof rack.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Mike Hawke

    Sunroof and the iron oxide ventilation package!

    Like 6
  8. Avatar Bultaco

    Someone will restore it, which is a good thing. I just don’t think the end product (a toady looking but cute glorified VW) is worth the total cash outlay unless you’re just going to resell for a profit.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar steveo

    I’ve seen worse.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Jeffro

      I’ve driven worse

      Like 4
  10. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    This is a senior citizen, in need of rehab. It could come back to glory.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar Neville

    And another factory GSM , (German Shale Mine) will probably go for stupid money the way these things are going! 👍😀

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Joe

    Read where 356s were also available with POE installed air conditioning.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar skloon

    eek in the late 80s a shop I worked in had 3 of these- the convertible versions that looked way better than this, we had them dipped and got almost nothing back. We did build one car out of that pile of junk I can’t see this being salvageable

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Lance

    Nein danke.

    Like 1
  15. Avatar Craig Baloga Member

    Nicht sehr gut!

    Ich werde respektvoll bestehen…..

    Someone will take a punt on this 356, but it will take uber amounts of Porsche passion and loyalty to bring this one back……I’ve always had a soft spot for these.

    Best of luck! 👍

    Like 0
    • Avatar Gray Wolf

      You got plenty of soft spots on this one!

      Like 1
      • Avatar Craig Baloga Member

        😂😂

        Like 0
  16. Avatar John

    Original paint?? That’s gonna push it beyond my budget…dang…

    Like 1
  17. Avatar Ken Johnson

    Absolutely ridiculous.
    Buy a CMC fiberglass kit,
    take a Bettle pan & add either a Widebody (flaired) or Speedster (stock body) with a HiPo 2275 motor.
    Add guick ratio steering & literally dozens of other gear to your taste for $30k Cdn.
    Lots of loud, fast fun with pride of ownership, your way.
    Literally 100’s of parts c/o a company called CIP1.ca.
    An Owner !
    Ken.J

    Like 1
  18. Avatar karl

    And you guys thought only Studebaker used fender vents into the 1960s !

    Like 0
  19. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Got too close to a Vega or Aspen?

    Like 0

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