W.E. James and Family, Tacoma, Washington (acquired via Tom Carsten’s Autohaus in 1962)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis: 106820
Engine: 83415
Factory-Equipped with Rudge Wheels, VDM GT Steering Wheel, and Vent Windows
Retains Matching-Numbers 1600 Super Engine and Transaxle per Factory Records
Cherished in Single Family Ownership for Nearly Six Decades
Fully Restored by Marque Specialists in Original Black over Black Color Scheme
Awarded First in Class at the 2012 PCA Porsche Parade
Offered with Original Service Book, Manual Set, Tool Roll, Knock-Off Hammer, 1962 Sales Invoice, Porsche COA, and Copy of the Factory Kardex
1,720 CC Type 616/2 OHV Air-Cooled Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Zenith 32 NDIX Carburetors
75+ BHP at 5,000 RPM
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Torsion-Bar Suspension with Shock Absorbers
In 1959, David K. Fogg of Tacoma, Washington placed an order for a new 356 A with Tom Carsten’s Autohaus, a dealership known for sourcing highly optioned Porsches for a well-heeled clientele. The specification Mr. Fogg chose for his 356 A Super Coupe was ideal: black with black leather upholstery and rare factory equipment such as the high-performance 1600 Super engine, Rudge central-locking wheels, VDM GT-type wood-rimmed steering wheel, vent wing windows, Ponto-Stabil mirrors, and Michelin tires.
The car’s second owner, W.E. James, bought the Porsche from Carsten’s Autohaus in December 1962, after Mr. Fogg had traded it back to the dealer toward the purchase of a new 356 B Cabriolet. The original sales invoice, retained in the car’s file, documents the $2,914.50 purchase price.
Mr. James eventually gave the Porsche to his son, Leland, as a generous 18th birthday present. He cherished the 356 for decades and, in 2009, decided to restore his prized car, entrusting the project to the finest craftsmen in the Seattle area. Rillos Restoration performed a bare-metal repaint in the original factory black, while Steve Schepp’s Classic Interior Restorations re-trimmed the interior using correct black leather and German square-weave carpets. Jack Morris of Wolfsburg Motorwerks Inc. rebuilt the original engine utilizing a desirable “big bore” piston kit and overhauled the transaxle, brakes, suspension, gauges, and electrical system.
This high-quality restoration was completed in 2012 at a cost of over $100,000. The accuracy of the work performed was validated with a First in Class award and 229-of-235-point score at that year’s PCA Porsche Parade.
Now in the hands of its third owner, a California-based collector, this magnificent Porsche presents beautifully in all respects, having enjoyed limited use since its concours-winning restoration. Not only does the 356 appear as it did when delivered to Mr. Fogg in 1959, it is an unusually authentic and properly detailed example. A Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and copy of the Kardex confirm that it retains its matching-numbers engine, transaxle, hood, deck lid, and ultra-rare factory options. Accompanying the sale is the original service book, owner’s manual, tool kit, Rudge knock-off hammer, jack, and history file, which includes the 1962-dated sales invoice, restoration records, magazine features, Porsche Parade badge, and judging sheets.
Presented here is an exciting opportunity to acquire one of most desirable 356s extant – a rare 1600 Super model from the final year of 356 A production, custom-tailored for its original owner and factory-equipped with some of the most sought-after options. It further benefits from nearly 60 years of single family ownership, a Porsche Parade-winning restoration and a superb presentation. For the collector looking for a one-of-a-kind 356 of quality and distinction, the search ends here.
