The Unofficial List of Known Porsche 356 Karmann Hardtop Cars

"Probably the greatest rust bucket in the world..."

Hans in The Netherlands

From coys.co.uk

"...This pretty 1600 356B is one of the rare Karmann 'notch back' coupes which has been the subject of a repaint about five years ago, otherwise, it is in fine original condition having originally come across from California. The other point to note is the addition of new interior trim right down to the new square weave German carpets in tan. Finished in red with a contrasting tan leather interior, 554 UXR is described by the vendor as good to excellent in almost every respect. Supplied with this 64,500 mile car is a V5 registration document, current MoT valid until August 2006, a Porsche certificate of authenticity and owners handbook with full toolkit and workshop manual. A truly wonderful example of Ferdinand Porsches' timeless classic.

Estimate: £12000 - £15000"

"This car was purchased in 2004, and was quickly whisked away to Ian Willmott and Peter Hardt for a 'light restoration'! The so called 'light' restoration turned into one of the best cars we have ever owned, and as a result holds a special place in Stewart's heart. Acquired with only 67,000 miles, and seemingly genuine and never restored, Stewart decided to finish the car in black, with black and black and black! Do you get the picture!?

 With disc brakes on the front, air conditioning, travel rack, driving lights, white wall tyres (not always used) and Blaupunkt radio, pictures do not really do this car justice. Originally ivory with tan, has been finished with al new chrome work and widened 5 1/2 wheels. To say that this car drives well is an understatement. The car has the smoothest and most fuel efficient motor that we have owned, and a gearbox to match. It drives as good as it looks! Can you see why it is in the Webster Collection?!"

"I have a Karmann Hardtop 201674 owned and driven since 80 and now in for paint/engine/interior."

"I have enjoyed visiting [this] site for some time now.  Perhaps it's time to add my notch back to the list.  I have owned the car for 37 years (almost to the day!).  When I purchased it, the previous owner had given it a very poor paint job in order to sell it.  Because of the paint, "the fun began".  Beginning in 1976, I stripped the body to bare metal the hard way using paint stripper and steel wool.  The original owner never drove the car in the winter!  I have the bill of sale from Bright Motors here in Spokane, WA.  on June 14, 1962.  The car is absolutely rust free!  The driver door had some bondo in it along with a very small amount on the front bumper.  I pulled out all the glass and interior.  Number one cylinder had low compression due to a pie shaped cut in the intake valve.  One of the local machine shops did the heads for me and after I put it back together, all is well.  I completed the prep work on the body in the fall of 1978..."

From the personal collection of Porsche Classics Australia

"This particular 1962 Porsche 356 Super 90 B Sunroof Coupe is truly one to behold, being a Super 90 variant (90 hp) and also being optioned with a sunroof. This Porsche for sale started life in America (like most 356's) and was imported by Porsche Classics in the mid 1990's. The finally went into restoration with the intent to be a concours car. The car was converted to RHD by Peter Hardt, and the the body completed by Dune Bodywerks, and paint by Ian Willmott. The Interior was done by Classic Motor Trimmers, and all the mechanicals completely overhauled. After being finished the car was shown at the 356 National Concours at Como Park in Melbourne and won a Gold Award in its first year (the highest it was eligible for) and the following year taking out the coveted Master Class award. Since then the car has not been shown again. Today it remains to be one of the best Porsche 356 notchbacks in the world."

"I purchased VIN 201750 earlier this year (2010) from Porsche Classics and have brought it to Perth, Western Australia. It is an outstandingly beautiful, fully restored Notchback Super 90 with a rare electric sunroof. It was converted to RHD during the orignal restoration. I have had it further upgraded by the original restorers, Hardt Classics, to make it a daily drive - front drum brakes converted to disc brakes and an electical upgrade to 12V plus an electric fuel pump. All the original parts have been kept so it could be converted back to original. However I have absolutely no intention of selling this glorious car and look forward to years of driving elegance!"

"Current owner bought it from 2nd owner in Albuquerque who bought it from a San Diego dealer he thinks in 1964. It was restored to original COA colors--slate gray / green and was just finished a few weeks ago. VIN is 201764. engine number is 607097 which is original engine per the COA.

The body--except for small patch in battery box, body had zero rust, ie, floor pans and longitudes are original as are door bottoms and rocker panels. Paint was done by Jesus Rodriguez, formerly of Burbank coach works, the most expensive Porsche resto shop in L.A. and now the painter for CPR. 

Interior--all leather done by Autos int'l 

Mechanical systems--per prior owner, engine was rebuilt less than 5000 miles ago with big bore pistons and cylinders. brakes, fuel system, front end and engine detail all done by the legendary Tim Ball. Gauges all restored by north Hollywood, tires are Vredstein sprint classics 165/15's. Wheels are all number matching. 

Also the Notch has been upgraded to a 12 volt system. "

"201809 was originally sold in Florida then moved to Hawaii, then New Zealand. I have owned it since 1991."

"There are 3 or 4 others in New Zealand."

1962 356B 1600S

Built: 10/26/61

Engine # 700466  (currently # 712611)

Trans # 51140

Ruby Red / 6202 (currently Ruby Red)

Grey Leatherette / D  (currently fawn)

Dunlop Tires

Car came from Colorado and now resides in Marin County, CA

Engine: 700492 (Super)

Transmission #: 51252   

Current colour: Ivory(6204)/Brown leatherette with Corduroy inserts

Colour when new: Smyrna Green/6210 and Interior Brown leatherette with Corduroy inserts

Options listed on COA: Phoenix tires, Compensating Spring, Chrome Signal Ring, Chrome Wheels (plus dealer installed Europa radio with correct B speakers etc)

Additional Options: Headrests, Marchal fog-lights, factory under the bumper fog-lights (yet to be added),

Built: 61/11/06    

Dealer: Porsche Cars Southwest, San Antonio Texas.

Condition: Excellent daily driver

On ebay 3/2010

"I have owned this car for over 20 years.

The engine runs and odometer showed 99k when it stoped working.

As you can see this is an unfinished project."

Winning bid US $11,600.00

"She is a 1962 356B T-6
Original Silver with red leather interior
1600 engine 60 hp
Original Nardi Steering wheel from the 70’s
Chrome wheels
Radio tapedeck"

Engine # 607407

Vin # 201982

Listed on eBay in April 2010.

"This is a rare 1962 Porsche Notch Back.  It is the 1,600 Model which has the 60 H.P engine.  The Notch Back was a low production model and very few of them are left.  This one needs total restoration.  It is a running project.  The paint looks pretty good..."

Buy it now of $16,500. Bid stalled at ~ $12K -- more soon after the auction ends.

Link to the auction

Priginally 6207 paint code - Heron Grey and 60HP normal engine. Now in blue with a very peppy modified S engine.

Posted and sold on eBay April 2011 (upwards of $36K). Description:

"A very nice Porsche 356 - Not perfect but nice. Recent paint - chrome very good...  This is one of only 75 with a factory installed sunroof (works great). Engine rebuilt at 88,000 miles. Has original Blaupunkt radio - works well. Gas gauge does not work. This is a lot of fun to drive. Zips right along with its 60 HP engine. 6 Volt system. Inspections welcome."

The original color combo was ivory with brown interior.

From an Ebay posting:

"Ruby is a rare 1962 Porsche 356 B T-6 Karmann Coupe. Fewer than 2300 Karmann Coupes or "Notchbacks" were built between '61-'62. Ruby remains an original 6 volt car with matching numbers and appears rust and accident free. I purchased Ruby from a reputable classic car dealer who specializes in old Porsches and I believe the history they provided. The car was resprayed once some time ago and kept the original ruby red color. It still shows very well. The interior is totally original and in excellent condition. The black leather seats have their original headrests and seatbelts. The carpet is perfect. The headliner is clean and untorn. The original Blaupunkt AM still works as do the speakers. The 1600 motor runs very strong, the transmission shifts smoothly and the ample drums provide for reliable breaking. She is very well balanced and handles beautifully. She does leak a little oil at the rear main. I've been reminded that this is quite common in older Porsches and as long as she is kept topped-up and regularly maintained, poses no problem. All work is performed by a reputable Porsche mechanic in Costa Mesa, CA. I drive Ruby regularly and can say that she will make some lucky bidder very happy. Good luck."

The "Sisters". Sequentially number notchback together.

"a 1600S that was originally Signal Red/black but is now Heron Grey/green. All numbers matching and local for last 40 years...

Engine # KD701548  Transaxle # 52618  Colors per Kardex: Signal Red 6211 Grey Leatherette.  Optional Equipment: Phoenix Tires. Colors now: Heron Grey 6207  Green leather w/green corduroy inserts."