Details as per Kardex:

Chassis Number: 088373

Original engine Number: 801 197

UK registration number: 939 UYH

Coachbuilder: Drauz

Transmission Number: 39479

Exterior Paint Colour: Heron Grey 6007

Upholstery: Red Leatherette w/reclining seats

The Porsche 356 is a lightweight and nimble sports car, powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled engine. Production started in 1948, and would continue through to 1965, with engineering innovations and developments leading to one of the most iconic and important sports cars ever built.

Recognising both its rarity (only 2,649 S90 roadsters were built) and its potential, no expense was spared in returning this car to its authentic specification – but with a slightly hotter engine. Investigation showed that the current engine, although correct in appearance and details, lacked any number stampings on the engine cases, suggesting that at some time new cases may have been purchased for an engine rebuild. This was not uncommon with Super 90 engines, which were known to suffer from crankshaft alignment problems. Nevertheless the engine had the correct S90 cylinder heads and carburettors, and the chassis number and other details correspond with an original Super 90 car.

The 356 Roadster is the spiritual successor to the fabled Speedster, production of which ended in August 1958. This was immediately followed by the Convertible ‘D’, of which 1330 were built, for one model year only,. The Roadster, still with removable windscreen, sleek and sporty bodywork, but a ‘proper’ hood, more luxurious interior and wind up windows, then continued through 1962.  The Speedster v. Roadster debate is never-ending, but the latter is clearly a more practical and usable car. The Speedster has won the style and value battle, but many prefer the comfort and durability of the Roadster.

Thornley Kelham stripped this car back to a bare shell, and were encouraged to find that less than 400 hours of metalwork repairs were needed. The 356 is a complex car to restore; rotten examples can require 1000 – 1200 hours of metalwork repairs alone. The relatively rare colour combination of Heron Grey paintwork with a red interior is clearly a winner, the only diversion from original being red leather upholstery rather than leatherette. The car was rewired (to 12 Volts) and all instruments, fixtures and fittings restored correctly.

The Super 90 engine was rebuilt in house, and upgraded with a counter-balanced crankshaft, ‘Big Bore’ (1770cc) Shasta pistons and liners, Carillo rods and a performance camshaft.

Since its restoration, this car has been lovingly used and maintained, and today presents as one of the best condition 356 A's we have ever seen, this Porsche is ready to be enjoyed once more on the open road.

Cars such as these are few and far between and if driven and enjoyed as part of a wider collection no doubt a shrewd purchase for longer-term investment & must be viewed to be appreciated.

We have a complete report of this car available for any serious buyer, including all the restoration work carried out by Thornley Kelham.

Date of first registration in UK  12-12-1976

Part exchange welcome

Currently UK registered, we can arrange Worldwide export and delivery.

Excellent rates of finance available

For more information please contact Marco on 01482 847771