Matching Numbers Super 90: 1961 Porsche 356B

I just read a profile in the Wall Street Journal of a long-term Porsche 356 owner who had finally completed the restoration of his project car after four decades. 40 years of house moves, job changes, and various shops messing with the car, which he moved to his current home in boxes. Still, seeing the look on his face driving his now road-worthy 356 made it seem like the juice was worth the squeeze. In the same vein, this 1961 Porsche 356B Super 90 was purchased by the seller’s father in 1962 and has apparently been in a slow burn restoration for years.

The seller notes that his dad bought it from the original owner, and if that can be verified, a two-owner 356 is a fairly hard car to find these days. The listing is light on details, other than noting it went into the garage under its own power. His dad apparently had plans to tear the car down as the listing notes that numerous spare parts were acquired in preparation for the restoration that never happened. The 356 was repainted from silver to red, and I do hope the next owner brings the factory paint scheme back – there are already too many red Porsches running around.

Now, there are some obvious gaps in the listing description and what most potential buyers will want to know. For instance, most any project-grade 356 is going to need floorpans, even if it’s been stored inside. And one always has to question paint work done when the car was at its lowest point value-wise, as those are usually cheap jobs for a quick refresh. Still, the seller’s dad purchased this car when it was fairly new and presumably still cost a fair price to acquire. Helpful information would include whether the car was driven for 20 years before being parked as that would help explain why the body may have needed a respray. Factory steel wheels still appear to be installed.

Now, if this is a genuine Super 90, there’s a strong case to be made for the $50,000 asking price. The badge and the license plate would seem to indicate this is a real-deal car, which would have enjoyed a healthy bump in horsepower – from roughly 60 to 90 – over non-Super models. Of course, badges can be swapped and anyone can order a vanity plate, even if the engine is, in fact, a Super 90 mill. However, a certificate of authenticity would help confirm this 356 left the factory in this configuration, and provide some added peace of mind around the seller’s matching numbers claim. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace near Woodstock, IL. Thanks to Barn Finds readers T.J. & LAR for sending this one in.