Porsche 356 Porsche 356 B 1600 60 Coupé / Matching numbers, 1962 р.в.

It is all too rare that we get the pleasure of handling the model that is the basis for Porsche in its entirety. What began as a sports car study in the late 1940s became the now legendary Porsche 356 in the 1950s. The small sports car took the world by storm from day one and also had great success in motorsport. Both rally and ice racing proved to be well suited for a light small car with most of its weight over the driving rear wheels. There were three iterations before production ended in 1965. The 356 A, which is considered the first "real" 356s, was produced between 1955-1959 and was followed, not entirely unexpectedly, by the 356 B, which was produced until 1962. The last three years of production were called the 356 C. Germans and their naming...But we will pause in our 356 history on 1962 and this phenomenal little 356 B. You are immediately delighted by the proportions of this little silver Porsche when you approach it. The design language is so familiar but everything is so delicate and neat. The silver body rests seemingly weightlessly over its 15" rims with a polished finish. Everything that is needed to make a car is here. Windshield wipers, rearview mirror (singular) and lighting. But everything feels like necessary details in an otherwise perfect small sports car configuration. The round shapes never seem to flatten out into a straight side but instead just unite in a wave of perfect shapes.The interior is spartan with a dashboard that is in the exterior color and has been given a black leather upper surface. A material that is of course found on both the seats and the door sides. The contact points in the steering wheel and gear selector also feel delicate but are very well suited to both the car and the driving style that it invites. Three simple meters, a clock and a small radio...and a glove compartment. That sums up the entire equipment list on the inside. But once in place, there is nothing more to be desired.This is a wonderful example for those who want a 356 to actually use and enjoy. Minor ocular defects are present but that is also the charm of a car that is over 60 years old. Mechanically strong car that has been loved and maintained by a specialist.