1962 PORSCHE 356B SUPER 90 W/NUMBERS MATCHING ENGINE

Between 1948 and 1965 more than 70. 00 Porsche 356s of all engine and body configurations were imported to the United States. And in that time. the 356 underwent a thorough and systematic process of improvement which has become a hallmark of Porsche engineering so it is no surprise that the ever-evolving 356 models were highly developed and sophisticated automobiles for their time. Shortcomings in design and execution were constantly being identified. analyzed and eliminated.  

By 1962 the Porsche horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine had nearly reached its final development with the Super 90. The highest output engine to be fitted to a production up to date. 356 the 1. 6 liter Super 90 produced 90 horsepower. double the output of the earliest versions of the 356. Suspension revisions. long since refined and perfected had rendered the 356's handling characteristics nearly ideal. Construction had matured until fit. finish and function set the standard to which other manufacturers strived. The production Porsches existed in parallel with their racing counterparts. always benefiting from the innovations. but pursuing their own course toward meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers.

By the time production ceased in 1965. the car was a consistent winner both in terms of sales. and in terms of victory on the racetrack. Making its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 1959. the 356B updated the body style from the 356A without altering its unquestionable appeal to enthusiasts of good taste. Overall. the changes made to the 356B improved comfort. handling and drivability.  

There were three 1. 00 cc engines designated 1600; 1600 Super. Super 90 and four-cam 2-liter Carrera 2. The 1600s differed in compression ratio and carburetion and ranged from 60 to 90 DIN (European) horsepower. The Super 90. most potent of the pushrod engines had a counterweighted crankshaft. sodium-filled valves and Solex P40-II carburetors. Today this engine is particularly sought after by aficionados is of course being one of those 90bhp. 1. 82cc air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. twin Solex carburetors. four-speed manual gearbox. four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes Super 90's

Although Porsche sourced bodies from a number of suppliers. by far the most came from Reutter. Karosseriefabrik Reutter & Co. of Stuttgart had a long association with Porsche. Founded as a coachbuilding firm in 1906. Reutter pioneered lightweight construction using Weymann fabric patents and early use of aluminum. Reutter furnished prototypes to Ferdinand Porsche in 1932 during the early days of the Volkswagen project then bodied Mercedes and BMW cars during the 1930s. The association with Porsche was rekindled in 1950 when the nascent Porsche company returned from Austria to Stuttgart. Porsche's old facilities were occupied by the US Army so Reutter leased some plants to Porsche for car production and started producing bodies for a number of 356 models. These included coupes. cabriolets and speedsters. While Karmann also built coupes in the 1960s. most of the open cars were by Reutter. This symbiotic relationship made Reutter a de facto in-house coachbuilder. much more closely allied with Porsche than Karmann or Drauz or other outside firms. Porsche and Reutter were finally merged in 1963 although a portion of the original Reutter company remains independent operating under the name "Recaro. "

This Reutter-bodied 356B Cabriolet is a great example of classic Porsche with lots of upside.   The Certificate of Authenticity which comes with the vehicle tells us that this car retains its original numbers matching Super 90 Engine.   It also states that this 356B is a factory Reutter rebodied car.   The car retains its numbers matching replacement body as indicated on the COA.   The transmission while not the numbers matching transmission is a later 64' or early 65' tranny which could be considered an upgrade.   Also of interest is that this 356B Super 90 Cabriolet retains its original and correct red interior but was born as a highly desirable silver car.   Correcting this car back to Silver on its correct red would be stunning.   The car is currently in “driver” condition but just waiting for an enthusiast to unlock its true value and splendor.  

Also published at eBay.com

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