Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles

Before the onset of the second World War in 1939, Ferdinand Porsche designed and built three Type 64 cars for a Berlin to Rome race in 1939 that was never run. Not until after the war and a few years of needed rebuilding was the next Porsche built, a mid-engine tubular chassis 356 prototype called "No. 1". This has led to some debate as to the "first" Porsche automobile, but the 356 is considered by Porsche to be its first production model. Its reputation as a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2-door sports car available in hardtop and cabriolet configurations with a reliable powertrain led Porsche to a resounding success from start to finish. In addition, design innovations continued during the years of manufacture contributing to its motorsports success and popularity.

The basic design of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than yearly superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and cabriolet forms were produced from 1948 through 1965. To distinguish among the major revisions of the model, 356's are generally classified into a few major groups. All 356 models built through 1954 are readily identifiable by their split (1948 to 1952) or bent (center-creased, 1953 to 1954) windshields. Additionally, Cabriolets (convertibles) were offered from the start, and in the early 1950's sometimes comprised over 50% of total production. While a fleetingly good idea, Porsche’s short-lived Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957 and then started to decline. It was replaced in late 1958 by the "Convertible D" model. It featured a taller, more practical windshield, glass side windows and more comfortable seats. The following year the 356B "Roadster" convertible replaced the D model but the sports car market's love affair with top-down motoring was fading; soft-top 356 model sales would decline significantly into the 1960's.

During its run, the Porsche 356 and its variants have enjoyed much success in rallying and road-racing events, most notably, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, all the way down to the nascent club racing and hillclimbing events that drove many Americans into brand new Porsche dealerships. Several Porsche 356s were stripped down in weight, and were modified in order to have better performance and handling for these races. A few notable examples include the Porsche 356 SL, and the Porsche 356A Carrera GT.

Finished in Slate Gray over red leatherette, this 1963 Porsche 356 Super 90 Coupé was restored some years ago to be as attractive on the showfield as it is able on the open road. This car is a collectors dream in that it is a Super 90, a T-6 body with the larger trunk and external fuel filler and that it conveys with the original manuals and showroom brochure. Recent maintenance all but guarantees that this 356 will run and drive brilliantly for years to come with nothing but regular upkeep. Additionally, a Letter of Authenticity from Porsche comes with the car and confirms all numbers matching. As a Super 90 it was the fastest of all the Porsche cars, other than the very rare Carrera 4 cam cars; as such, it will always be a very desirable model.

Whether filling a gap in your Porsche collection or just as a way to have more fun on the weekends carving up some twisty roads, one would be hard-pressed to find a more suitable or more attractive Super 90 Coupé.