Many Questions: 1961 Porsche 356B Super
In the Porsche world – but also for Corvettes, Mustangs, Ferraris, and certain other marques – collectors can be apoplectic about details such as the right wheel nut, the right color, the right date-coded owner’s manual, let alone the right engine. Here on craigslist is a 1961 Porsche 356B Super for sale, with an asking price of $55,000. The car is in Santa Ana, California. Thanks to T.J. for this find! Despite the terse ad, we know this is a T5 body, with its single rear grille, rounded trunk lid, and small windows. The T6 was produced in late 1961 with a squared-off trunk lid, larger windows, and twin grilles. Porschephiles argue a lot about whether the 356 A, B, or C is more desirable, and there is a similar debate around the T5/T6. As we can see here, most of this car’s glass has gone missing, among other items. No word from the seller on what parts might be coming with the sale to fill in the blanks here.
Another thing we know is that in 1961 356 cars could have four different engines. These were the normal 1600, the 1600 S (Super), the 1600 Super 90, and – rarely – a Carrera. This is a Super, which means twin Zenith carburetors, and an output of 75 bhp instead of around 60. Car and Driver tested a Super coupe in October 1963 and clocked zero to sixty in 12.8 seconds. But motor identification can be critical to the car’s value. A buyer will need to check stamped numbers on the engine, casings, and carbs at the least to determine originality. No word on whether this car runs, but the transmission is said to have been “redone”.
The ad is devoid of interior shots, but we are given several underside shots, here, and here, emphasizing that the car has new disc brakes all around. The car came with drums, so of course, this begs the question – what else has been changed from stock? It’s fine to upgrade for performance, but also necessary to know – as you set the price you want to pay – what’s not original. And speaking of the interior, be aware that gauges changed with the engine type, so research what gauges were original for this one.
The exterior will need plenty of work. Any rust will be hidden away behind plenty of other structures requiring disassembly. If the buyer intends to “nut and bolt” this car, then the newly installed brakes will need to come out. While these cars have increased in value over the years, the work here is daunting. Do you think it’s worth the asking price?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now10 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
Kind of crusty and appears to be stored in a shop of some kind,
mechanic shop or body shop, or both. The hood has been bent
as there is Bondo filler over where it was sort of straightened.
And that paint peeling off….maybe the previous paint job was
quickly done for resale and sprayed over an improperly sanded
base. Someone lost interest, ran out of money, left it at the
shop because of a $ balance due, or all of these. It is going to need
new floor pans to start.
Taillights look like my former ‘57 speedster and the underpinnings look as rough as the hood. Have to wonder whether the provenance eaises similar questions.
Taillights are the same as your ’57 Speedster. ’57 was the first year of the tear drop lights and carried through to the last 356C. the crusty look underneath is undercoating. Looks like a bit of body filler around the body surface. Overall looks solid. Nice write up Michelle.
Don’t understand Porsche owners….sorry
Buy the best example you can afford. If this is all you can afford, buy a replica
and call it a day.
If the T5 is worth less than the T6 what would you give for this T5?
https://secure.img1-cg.wfcdn.com/im/21609306/resize-h445%5Ecompr-r85/1513/151308583/Steve+Mcqueen+In+Porsche+With+Neile+Adams+-+Unframed+Photograph.jpg
Why would you spend that kind of money for a car that is not really collectable because of rust and parts changed out ,when for half the money you could go buy any number of cars that would run circles around it. Just don’t get the Porsche mystique. Go get a Puma and you would have a better car
What’s your favorite ołd car? I bet there’s plenty of folks here will ask you why? Why would you sink money into that? There’s no right or wrong. These are emotional buys as much as investment.
How do people find these things? ESP, fortune tellers, soothsayers, oracles? These are GOLD!
Billions of Schlupp made. Nothing to care about.
Have to ask the anti-Porsche folks “have any of you ever driven one of these cars or know anything about them?”. Doesn’t look like it from here.
Yes drove a super 90 that was in my town for 40 yrs and a 912 sorry just do not see the point or the price ? Would take a Europa over it any day and I did owned a 73 for a number of years.
Agree with you on the price. Nice assortment of cars. Did two
Europas myself. Owned 15 356s over the years before the prices went to la la land.