Chassis No. 108934

In the fall of 1959, Porsche embargoed the sales of their new 356 B model so it could debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show held between the 17-27th of September. Porsche themselves commented on the delay in a Special Edition of Christophorus, their factory magazine, stating that "sales (of the new 356 B) are not yet allowed and the new models have to wait patiently in the yard..." For early PCA member Donald Barron of Plainfield, Iowa, the first owner of this very 356 B, his visit to Stuttgart just days later as part of PCA's fifth annual International Porsche-Treffen in September of 1959 was likely the trip of a lifetime full of anticipation.

Ordered well in advance of PCA's Treffen, Barron specified his 356 Coupe in Ivory paint and a Light Brown kunstleder interior with Porsche's new 1600 Super engine. According to its Kardex warranty card it was additionally optioned with decorative aluminum side spears, an exterior mirror, and chrome steel wheels. A home movie filmed during the Treffen is available for viewing online, and it shows numerous new, early production 356 Bs with this particular coupe no doubt among them enjoying the festivities at the factory and Porsche's home track at Solitude. The Kardex further notes that Barron headed south into the Alps for a service checkup at AMAG in Switzerland on the first of October.

While likely not of particular importance to Barron at the time, his 356 was a very early "T-5" coupe. Interestingly, Porsche considers this coupe a 1959 356 B, a model year more closely associated with the outgoing 356 A. Curiously, it was built after the summer break – a traditional changeover in model year – and its Kardex notes 1960 Ivory paint code, 6004. In 1998, this 356 B Coupe was located in the village of Goshen in upstate New York, during which time a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity was applied for. By 2008 the Ivory Coupe had headed south, the recipient of servicing at Hennessy Porsche North Atlanta. Numerous visits to Hennessey are recorded between 2008 and 2015. In the early 2010s, Vic Skirmant's 356 Enterprises would play a large part in the mechanical history of the car. The history file records that the transmission was sent to Vic Skirmant's 356 Enterprises, known for their expertise and top-quality work, for a full rebuild. Parts were purchased from 356 Enterprises as well, with a SCAT billet crankshaft and 912 connecting rods joining other parts like Nikasil pistons and cylinders as well as rebuilt carburetors and a fuel pump by F.B.R. Inc. (better known as Franz Blam Racing) of Tucker, Georgia. In 2015, Porsche Cars North America opened its new headquarters in Atlanta, and with it, a new Porsche Classic Center. Not located far away, this car has been a regular visitor to the factory-authorized workshop. The history file includes a letter from Porsche's VP of Marketing that this very 356 was the "first project to be completed in the workshop" and a magazine featuring the car in a Porsche Classic Center Atlanta advertisement. Most recently in 2022 the technicians at Porsche Classic Center diagnosed a fuel leak and replaced its oil filter cartridge.

After 65 years, this 1959 Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Coupe remains faithful to its "as ordered" appearance selected by Donald Barron as specified on its Kardex warranty card. As a result of its upgraded engine, rebuilt transmission, and high level of fit and finish this 1600 Super Coupe is offered with the rare ability to both contend for honors at its next concours, as well as participate in the most admired long distance rallies. Eagle-eyed Porsche enthusiasts may note that it is currently fit with a smaller diameter steering wheel and bucket-style seats but For the purists among us, it retains its black 356 B steering wheel and light brown standard seats along with its history file and related ephemera.