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The Porsche 356 stands as the genesis of the brand's sports car legacy...a lightweight, rear-engine coupe that built its reputation on precision engineering, simplicity, and a purity of experience. First introduced in 1948, the 356 helped solidify Porsche's footing in the American market thanks to importer Max Hoffman, who played a pivotal role in bringing European performance cars stateside in the post-war era. By the early 1960s, the model had matured through several revisions, and the 1963 examples like this one represent the most refined form of the original formula.
This particular 356 has spent the vast majority of its life in the Carolinas, with documentation that includes ownership history dating back to the 1970s, a used car invoice from Autohaus Charlotte Porsche Audi in 1974, and service records spanning back to the 1970s. It's a car that has been preserved, enjoyed, and recently revitalized, but a thoughtfully maintained example with fresh mechanicals and subtle cosmetic updates.
The exterior was repainted in 2024 by WRG Body Shop in Charlotte, NC, a professional refinish that shows excellent quality throughout. While the car's original factory color showed evidence of Smyrna Green, the current finish appears to honor Porsche's Signal Red...a bold, era-correct hue that suits the lines and personality of the 356 beautifully. Trim pieces, lighting, and lenses all appear to be original or authentic components, wearing a expected level of patina, free of major damage or aftermarket substitutions. Tasteful period touches like the rear luggage rack, headlight grills, and grey steel wheels with polished chrome hubcaps round out the classic Porsche look. The car rides on a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, a fitting choice for vintage aesthetics and capable modern drivability.
In 2022, the car's rear-mounted, flat-four was professionally rebuilt by Martin Steger, a well-respected name in the vintage Porsche community known for his meticulous approach to air-cooled engines. The work was supported by ProMotor Engines of Mooresville, NC, who handled all machining and prep. The build features reconditioned dual carburetors, a NeuTek SX-1 camshaft, and a set of 86mm pistons and cylinders sourced from Shasta Design, a trusted U.S.-based supplier of air-cooled Porsche internals. Shasta's cylinders are CNC-machined in the USA from Dura-Bar cast iron, a robust, consistent material well-suited to vintage engine architecture. They're matched with forged JE pistons built to Shasta's specification, designed to increase performance without sacrificing longevity. Paired with the SX-1 cam, this setup delivers a noticeable bump in output and drivability, bringing the car to an estimated 1720cc displacement. It provides more torque, better throttle response, and confident power delivery while keeping the soul of a 356 intact. All supporting components (gaskets, seals, valve guides, screws, and fasteners) came from Stoddard, a name synonymous with quality vintage Porsche parts. The original Type 741 4-speed manual transaxle remains in place and was treated to a new clutch during the rebuild, completing a cohesive, road-ready powertrain.
Inside, the car presents with a houndstooth and black leather bucket seat interior, sourced from Heritage Upholstery of Palm Springs, CA and professionally installed in Charlotte. The body-color matched dashboard is topped with leather for a cohesive, high-quality finish. Traditional Porsche instrumentation, a 3-spoke steering wheel, and a wood-topped shifter with an inlaid Porsche crest help tie the cabin together, while a gloss black radio block-off plate provides a clean, purpose-built aesthetic.
This 1963 356 Coupe is a well-preserved, properly maintained, and tastefully refurbished example that has spent its life in the South and received the kind of careful attention that seasoned enthusiasts will immediately recognize. With refreshed cosmetics, a professionally built engine, and a cabin that blends originality with quality craftsmanship, this is a car that's ready to be driven and appreciated without compromise. Nothing about the car feels over-restored or artificial. It's a turn-key classic Porsche with a known history, thoughtful updates, and real presence on the road...the kind of 356 you can truly enjoy.
Key Highlights
* Highly-documented 1963 356B
* Spent majority of its life in the Carolinas
* Big bore 1720cc flat-four cylinder
* NeuTek SX-1 camshaft
* Rebuilt dual carburetors
* Type 741 4-speed manual transaxle
* Fresh clutch
* 2022 engine and mechanical overhaul
* 2024 re-paint
* 2024 re-upholstered
* Only respected vendors and specialists used
* Houndstooth interior
