Privately owned since April 1990. First time offered for sale in nearly 30 years Left-hand drive, 356 B T6 1600, bought from California by our vendor and shipped here shortly afterwards Reported to have never been fully restored. Painted 30 years ago, now showing a gentle patina Very little use in recent years and guided competitively for such a sought after modelThe 356 is acknowledged as Porsche's first venture into production and was a lightweight and nimblerear-engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sporting car available in hardtop Coup and open configurations. Engineering and design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports success and its popularity as a road car. The model was created by Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche (son of Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the company), based on an original design by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda, and initially its mechanicals (including engine, suspension, and chassis) were derived from the basic Volkswagen Beetle, a product of his Father's fertile imagination. Porsche continued to develop and refine the 356 with a focus on performance, and by the late 1950's fewer parts were shared with its pedestrian cousin, and increasing success in competition and its availability worldwide resulted in the distinctive little car, in all its iterations, finding over 76,000 homes between 1948 and 1966. Today, the Porsche 356 is a highly regarded collector's car.This rare and desirable, left-hand drive 356 B T6 has been owned by our private vendor since April 1990 after he purchased it in California and then imported it to the UK. He describes the Porsche as a genuine black plate car and he used it regularly up until 1993 when he then took it off the road as he moved to London. It remained dry stored for the following 25 years until last year when he recommissioned the 356 himself, putting it through an MOT and covering around 700 miles.He reports that This 356 has never been fully restored, and has only had remedial work done if necessary. Its a very original body with numbers matching doors, hinge cover plates, front hood and engine cover. The rest of the body is also reported to be original - floors, longitudinals, wing stays, horn brackets, the wiring loom tabs etc. The only exception is the battery/spare wheel well (leaking battery) but proficiently repaired long ago. Bumpers, trim, the fuel tank specific to T6Bs and most other components have remained with this venerable little 356 since it left the factory.The engine and gearbox, however, are not the originals but are period correct. Other numbers on the car are the carburettors, seats and window winder mechanisms, all date code-matched to 7/61. The VIN number stamped behind the spare wheel also matches the secret micro VIN stamped into the A post behind the right hinge plate.The front seats have been re-trimmed in leather but the carpets were replaced (originals retained) with new floor mats. The Slate Grey paint was also refreshed and although this was done almost 30 years ago now, it has developed a lovely patina increasingly appreciated by many Porsche enthusiasts. This is an unrestored car because its never needed one.Coming to the market for the first time in nearly 30 years this is a very honest, pretty and usable T6 that is estimated remarkably sensibly considering the rarity and fun on offer.