French title in progress

Chassis no. 88476 Engine no. P*800948*

- Sought-after roadster version

- Good-quality restoration

- Optimum mechanical and aesthetic condition

- Interesting options fitted when new

 

Produced in only 1,528 examples, this gorgeous Porsche 356 was one of the cars from the Wittmark Collection, sold by Artcurial last May in Monaco. The buyer had fallen in love with this 356 but due to his height, he is selling it because of the lack of comfort when seated. However, as soon as the auction ended, he had a complete overhaul carried out at the Garage des Moneghetti in Monaco. All fluids were changed, brakes revised and the entire ignition system redone for a total of €6,000. The history of this Roadster is clear. It was exported new to the United States via Porsche Krauss in Nuremberg and delivered to its first owner Mr. Scott Taylor from Portland.

It was grey (‘Silbermetallic’) with a red interior and had options including a rear luggage rack, tonneau cover, headrests and a Blaupunkt radio, which are still fitted to the car today.

In 2008, it underwent a complete restoration in the US by Markham Motors, after which it was bought by Staffan Wittmark. He particularly liked this combination of colours for the 356, as it was very close to that of the Convertible D in his collection. Since then, it has seen little use, and in 2020, it was sent to Porsche Haninge for a full service.

Originating as a standard 1600 version, it was restored to look like a Super 90 with that model's chrome wheel trims, and its engine was replaced by another unit stamped P*800948* and fitted with two Solex PII4 twin-choke carburettors. The original engine had the number 603807. The restoration has withstood the passage of time very well and the body, built at the time in the Drauz workshops, is of good quality, as is the paint in its original colour. The front boot has been completely restored and is equipped with its tool kit and a battery cut-out switch. The beautifully finished interior has seats in red leatherette which have been very well retrimmed and are still fitted with headrests.

The car’s history file includes photos of its restoration, from which the work carried out can be assessed, as well as various documents from Porsche confirming its interesting original specification. In its roadster version, the 356 is particularly sought after, as it recalls the famous Speedster, while allowing owners to enjoy driving with the hood down to the likeable beat of its air-cooled ‘four’, which established the company’s unrivalled sporting reputation.

 

Photos © Alexis Ruben

 

Please note the French title is in process and will be delivered as soon as possible after the sale to the buyer.