1961 Porsche 356B Karmann Notchback Coupe
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1961
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 B Coupe
- VIN: 200270
- Mileage Shown: 85,680mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Condor Yellow
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Quakertown, PA 18951
- Lot #: V-0045875-DT
Produced in limited numbers between 1961 and 1962, the 356B “Notchback” Coupe was among the first Porsches built by Karmann, featuring a unique bodyshell with a welded steel hardtop. This example, #200270, is one of only 1,048 T5-versions of the Notchback Coupe produced in total. It was restored in 2016 by Dale Erdman, formerly of Klasse 356, with a refinish in its factory paint color of Condor Yellow. Having been kept in a climate-controlled facility since its restoration, this rare 356B Notchback Coupe is now being offered for auction out of Pennsylvania.
The 356B Notchback earned its monicker from its unique bodywork, consisting of a 356B Cabriolet bodyshell with an optional steel hardtop welded in-place by Karmann to create a fixed-roof Coupe. This example was reportedly refinished in its original Condor Yellow (6010) paint color in 2016 and rides on period-correct 15” steel wheels with Michelin XZX tires (2016). A matching full-size spare is mounted in the trunk. The seller indicates the bodywork shows all matching numbers apart from the hood and some pitting can be seen on the driver’s side headlamp bezel. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin is said to have been restored by Autobahn Interior and features black leather upholstery complemented by oatmeal square weave carpeting and a body-colored dashboard. Accessories include a black three-spoke steering wheel, chrome handles and window rollers, rubber floor liners, door pockets, pop-out window vents, a locking glove box, and an aftermarket Motorola radio. The gauges have been rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. The seller indicates the turn signal stalk does not automatically return to position, the condition of the radio is unknown, and the steering column bushing was newly replaced and is currently squeaky. A new rubber handbrake cable boot will also be installed before delivery.
Power comes from a replacement 1,600cc flat-four engine driving the rear wheels through an original 4-speed manual transaxle. The engine tins have been powder coated and the car has been serviced with a new Optima battery, dual-circuit master cylinder, and a four-wheel alignment.
This sale will include a clean title, an original owner’s manual, and an original toolkit with preproduction screwdrivers.
The seller would like you to know: “Up for auction is a 1961 Porsche Karmann coupe vin #200270. For those that are not aware, Karmann "notchbacks" are the rarest of all 356s with only 1,048 built. It's said that fewer than 100 still exist. This car was restored in 2016 and has been in heated storage since 2017. It was restored by Dale Erdman formerly of Klasse 356. Its number matching body except for the hood. The transaxle is original and the engine is a plain case factory replacement (no known history.) It's been repainted in its original custom color Condor Yellow #6010. Five dated wheels with 165SR15 Michelin X7X tires dated 5/5/16, Optima battery, dual circuit master cylinder, 4-wheel alignment. The rubber boot on the hand brake cable will be replaced before delivery. There's some pitting on the left side headlight ring. The turn signal lever does not return to neutral. The condition of the radio is unknown. The steering column bushing was replaced and will squeak for a while. Comes with a COA and clean PA title. Mileage shows 85,000 (TMU). Original tool kit with repro screwdrivers included plus original owner’s manual. This car is 63 years old and will need some TLC. Keep it original or turn it back to a $150,000 Cabriolet.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $60,000
- Auction End: Jul 24, 2024 04:14:44PM UTC
- Number of Offers: 1
Comments (21)
Sold for $60,000
Offer in the amount of $60,000
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $47,000
When you consider that these cars were actually supposed to be convertibles and that Porsche simply welded on the hardtop because the demand for coupes was higher. That is the reason for this somewhat exotic-looking shape.
This is the third car I have sold on P car with no problems. So bid with confidence. I admit the carpet in the back was poorly done. I am 79 fat and out of shape and working in the back was pure torture.. It has been reglued . Good luck
Bid in the amount of $45,000
IslaTurbine, Let me sum it up..... Pcar and others do a fair job of flagging, and you are right. Huge knowledge out there from seasoned individuals ! Here is my way of putting a lot of things in perspective...... " PEOPLE ARE DOWN ON THINGS ....... THEY ARE NOT UP ON ! " If some took advantage of the knowledge others are so gracious to share, they might be "UP " , on the subject at hand.
I don’t understand why some get so offended by non-bidding commenters. One huge value of online auctions like these is that you have access to experienced owners (current and former) from across the world that can quickly and efficiently point out issues that they observe with a car that they have familiarity with, and which other bidders might not. It doesn’t matter if they are a bidder or not. It’s not like I, in the deep southeast can simply drive over to this car and take a look for myself like I could in a real life auction.
Have there been some unfair comments on these platforms over the years ? Yes, of course. But there have also been numerous shady sellers/cars that have been caught by informed members of the gallery. A defensive seller always raises my spidey-senses.
People in the car community know that you buy the seller when you buy the car and the irritated response below would leave me concerned.
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $13,500
It is good that the seller admitted (only after criticism) that he and not Autobahn did the squareweave carpet installation. Autobahn would never do that kind of work and it is unfortunate it was implied that they did.
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $10,356
I can't understand the criticism of this beautiful 356 either. Yes, the carpets need to be replaced or better glued, but otherwise it makes a solid impression.
Good luck with the sale.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Added 2 new rear seat pictures. Carpet was reglued.
@A1959356D There are underside pictures in the gallery.
Looks to be a nice car to take to 356 events. All the usual serious(expensive) problem areas have been addressed so that the next owner can really enjoy the car from day one.
1Oh my God, a 63 year old car has a repoop.. Before you comment you should look at the pics. C OMPLETE picsl of underside and door bottoms. THe radio is of no concern to me. Your. right the rear carpets are terrible I did them myself.You buy it and l,ll buy you a new set. But I know guys like you never bid. And no rust. The color is in the eyes of the beholder and $
Just my opinion " very sloppy interior, carpet is installed terribly, wrinkles on dash pad, painting even the grease inserts on door hinges. Either the radio works or it doesn;t.. If ever an original color needed to be deleted, this yellow is it (Porsche's fault, makes the car look cheap). Rust on headlight ring, usually indicates a repoop.
located in PA. makes one wonder about rust (no pics of underside). Thanks for the effort, but this has to be bought right , or no door prize... More detail needed on body condition, please.