Cars

Renowned Porsche specialist Andy Prill was instrumental in its find and the latter sale transaction, insomuch, he knew the US owner and could clearly vouch for the car too. Clearly everything matched (engine, gearbox, panels) and had excellent panel gaps too. Having agreed to purchase the 356 in January 2014, Cars International handled the whole affair in their normal efficient manner. Once landed and registered, it was trailered to Sportwagen, where after an inspection they waxoyled the car, fitted seats belts and cleverly concealed a high level brake light behind the rear grill. Given an existing association with Steve Winters/Jazz, Steve was approached to service & totally recommissioned the 356 during 2015. It was known the car had non-standard drums brakes, so Steve sourced correct originals from Peter Hoffman, actually up-rated Carrera version which cost the earth (£10,000), along with 1957 dated stamped steel wheels too from Fred Hampton, which weren't inexpensive ! Seeing the owner frequently during Spring of 2016, as I had his 964RS for sale, I remember him making the decision to take it back to bare metal....Marc Tipping at PT Repairs in Weybridge did a very professional job. Pleasingly this is all nicely detailed via a host of invoices and disc photos on file. I might add the body was in remarkably sound condition, a true benefit of a dry 'US' State climate, nevertheless, the cost was in excess of £20,000. Next the interior was retrimmed too, with correct carpets, sun-visors and new headliner, all carried via PRS/Sportwagen's preferred trimmer. Prior to a Classic Le Mans trip in 2016, the steering box was re-built by the 356 supremo Paul Smith PR Services. Evidently a sensible expense, as again I remember hearing tales of high speeds !! PRS were again engaged during 2018 to complete an engine rebuild and again in 2020, to undertake a gearbox rebuild. As is the norm with Paul, he always retains as much of the originality as possible whilst evidently improving reliability and performance. Having recently driven this 356, I can happily attest that it drives exceptionally well & there's certainly plenty of performance on tap. As an aside, there's a further service invoice from Jazz within last 500 miles, so completely road ready. The Certificate of Authenticity accompanies a highly detailed invoice trail that clearly defines this beautifully presented 356 as both an exception example & a very well sorted car. It would be a pleasure to answer any questions you might have. However, to really appreciate this Porsche, it needs to be seen “in the flesh”, so do please call me directly on 07788 865700 to arrange a viewing.

The Porsche 356 is a lightweight and nimble-handling rear-engine rear-wheel drive 2-door sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965.