IN PREPARATION FOR SALE
A 1959 Porsche 356B T5. Re-built by hand over 8 years. Available late Summer 2024.
For exclusive early access to purchase this archetype of early Porsche history please register your interest.
8 YEARS IN THE RE-MAKING
DRY STATE, 1959 PLATE
THE DETAIL
Importing an iconic Porsche 356 across the Atlantic was an unrivalled moment of anticipation and excitement. After the initial thrill subsided and upon inspection it was clear that the car had received a poor restoration in the past and was in a less than satisfactory condition.
This marked the beginning of a mission to restore the car to the condition it deserves through proper care and attention. That was back in 2015, since then the exterior and interior have been completely stripped-down, a high quality respray carried out, followed by a painstaking process of re-building the car by hand. Meticulously going through each component to renew its appearance and functionality, whilst retaining as many of the original parts and as much patina as possible.
This project has been a personal case study in understanding Porsche design principles through disassembly, study and reassembly. A rewarding and fulfilling experience, resulting in the preservation of an archetype Porsche 356 for a new custodian to drive and enjoy.
With a manufacture date of 1959, this 356 coupe is an early example of the 1600 ‘b’ series, sporting the T5 body and finished in its original factory colour, Aetna Blue / 6003, combined with light grey leatherette interior.
First registered with renowned Porsche and Volkswagen importer, Reynold Johnson in San Francisco on the 5th of October 1960. The car has chassis number 109090, as documented on the included official Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and factory Kardex.
Differentiated from the 356a predecessor, the 356b sported new front and rear metalwork, raised bumpers and headlights, along with opening passenger and driver quarter-light windows. Being a T5, the deck-lid features the single aluminium grill and the hood retains the charming curved front profile. Marking a mid-point in the evolution of the 356, the T5 arguably combines the best of early and later style lines. The official Porsche 356b overview can be found on the Porsche website here.
With a guiding principle to keep this 356 overwhelmingly original, any necessary new components have been sourced from trusted suppliers Roger Bray Restoration and Design911, consisting mainly of brightwork, seals and the interior upholstery. As the car is mechanically sound, the focus of the restoration has been on the re-spray, rear floorpan and full interior and exterior re-build.
Still retaining its original matching numbers engine, a previous US owner fitted a period correct gearbox and carried out front floorpan repairs. Thoroughly inspected, the car is free of any signs of damage or rust.
The car will be available for purchase when complete in Summer 2024, in the meantime please register your interest and follow @aircoolist if you would like to receive exclusive early access to view this stand-out Porsche 356. Available by appointment in Nottingham UK from where international shipping can be arranged. The car will be offered with full MOT certificate, copy of Kardex and an official Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
“I LOVED THAT CAR. SUCH A UNIQUE COLOUR. I NEVER SHOULD HAVE SOLD IT!”
Former Owner — Daniel Smick
THE STORY
Provenance
Handmade in the Reutter factory, this 356 T5 was completed on the 5th of October 1959, belonging to the ‘B’ series, which marked the mid-point in the model’s evolution. Differentiated from its 356A predecessor by changes such as the totally re-designed front and rear sheet metal, raised headlamps and the introduction of vented front windows and a black high-gloss steering wheel and column. Exported to the US, the car was delivered to Reynold Johnson, the renowned California dealer of the time and registered stateside on the 6th of January 1960 under its VIN 109090 — as captured on the original Certificate of Authenticity courtesy of Porsche Classic.
Atlantic Import
On a bright early morning in 2015 I bought a one way ticket to Southampton, flagged a taxi and arrived at the mist covered docks before 8:00am. Solitary and silhouetted against the rows of containers was the unmistakable lines of a Porsche 356. After a swift paperwork exchange I was behind the wheel and turned the key…..nothing. No petrol, until I remembered the reserve, turned the handle and the engine burst to life. A tank of fuel and a quick safety inspection later and I drove 188 miles home without issue. The import from the dry state of California was complete.
Re-made
Unhappy with the quality of the previous restoration I set about stripping the car of everything, but the mechanics, including the entire interior. After a much improved re-spray I set about carefully and systematically reassembling the car by hand, just the way it was built. Going through every nut and bolt allowed me to right any wrongs I came across and ensure everything is working just as it should, utilising my invaluable 356 Registry membership to tap into the knowledge base and experience. Totally Renewing the car whilst retaining as much patina as possible has been my constant guiding principle throughout the restoration…
CERTIFIED AUTHENTICITY
A JACK STAGGS 356
Former owner Daniel Smick was proud to have bought the car from Jack Staggs, the renowned SoCal 356 specialist based in San Clemente. Daniel mentioned that “Jack used to personally drive the car to the Mid West, from California once a month, we called her Julie back then”.
Jack’s repair shop is the stuff of legend. Based a stone’s throw from the beach, for 45 years the understated garages have acted as a Mecca for 356 drivers to seek out repair, upgrades or just a social hit of like-minded enthusiasts.
Knowing this 356 has been maintained by known and trusted member’s of the 356 community provides ample reassurance that, as Daniel put it “…she has good bones”.
NUMBERS
Production Date
5th May 1959
Registration Date
6th January 1960
Chassis Number
109090
Petrol Tank Capacity
52 Litres
Exterior Paint
Aetna Blue / 6003
Interior Material Colour
Light Grey Leatherette
Engine No.
600313 / 616 / 1
Weight
1900 lbs / 861.2kg
Odometer Reading
07904 miles
Coupes produced in ‘59
1 of only 1320
Original Transmission No.
32382 / 741 / 0
Torque
81 Ft-Lbs (110 NM) @ 2800 RPM
Original Dealer
R Johnson, San Francisco
Coachbuilder
Reutter
New Transmission No.
32765 / 741 / 0
Power
60 BHP
BUILT, NOT BOUGHT
They say that to break the rules you first have to learn them. This has most certainly been that opportunity, by not only retaining original parts, but doing away with any ‘bodges’ discovered en route and making sure components are visibly renewed, function properly and retain their patina.
This is a labour of love, no ‘flipping’ going on here. In fact, its been a privilege to carefully disassemble, re-spray, restore and re-build an original Reutter Porsche 356 over the last 8 years.
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AS FEATURED BY DESIGN911 & THE 356 REGISTRY
IMPORT WALKAROUND VIDEO _ 2015
PRE RE-BUILD IMAGES_2015
‘MADE BY HAND’ DOCUMENTARY. SHOT IN THE SAME YEAR OF REGISTRATION _ 1960
