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Dodi Auto Sales

2240 Del Monte Avenue Suite A, Monterey, CA 93940
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars
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Used 1961 Porsche 356B

72,617 miles
For Sale:$76,500
Estimated payment:$1,735/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
Used 1961 Porsche 356B for sale near Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville
Used 1961 Porsche 356B for sale near Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville
Used 1961 Porsche 356B for sale near Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville
Used 1961 Porsche 356B for sale near Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville
Used 1961 Porsche 356B for sale near Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville
  • Coupe
  • Luxury
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    72,617miles
  • Transmission
    Manual
  • Exterior Color
    Red
  • Interior Color
    Black
  • VIN
    1161PORS356BCARME

Engine

F4 Other

Message from the seller

1961 Porsche 356 Reutter Coupe PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://youtu.be/ciGvBv5hVEM?si=tnt8IEPOtl_xwG6l Offered for sale is a beautiful 1961 Porsche 356 Reutter Coupe, built on September 19, 1960. We acquired the car from the previous owner in Carmel, California, who owned it for approximately six years. The vehicle comes with extensive documentation dating back to the 1970s. The history of the car is well preserved with invoices and records detailing maintenance and work performed over the years. This example is best described as a driver-quality Porsche 356. It is not a concours but rather a well-maintained classic that can be enjoyed on the road. The car presents very nicely. The exterior is finished in red over a black interior, although the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirms the car was originally delivered in the rare color Aetna Blue. The paint shows a deep gloss and presents very well overall, though it does have minor imperfections consistent with a driver-quality vehicle. The interior was refurbished by K&H European Auto Upholstery and remains in excellent condition, presenting clean and well cared for throughout. Mechanically, the car runs and drives very well. Over the past two years, more than $12,000 has been invested in maintenance and servicing, with detailed records documenting the work performed. Recent servicing includes a complete engine tune-up, which consisted of replacing spark plugs and ignition components, performing a valve adjustment, servicing the carburetors, replacing air filters, and completing a fresh oil service. The car also received replacement of all brake flex hoses, along with a general mechanical inspection and servicing of suspension components. Wheel bearings were cleaned and repacked, and the car has been routinely maintained by experienced Porsche specialists. The car is powered by a strongly upgraded 1600 S engine (085173). While the engine is not numbers matching, it performs very well and provides strong, smooth power. The transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. Overall presents as a well-documented and mechanically maintained Porsche 356 that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. Please review the photos and video to see the car and documentation in detail. We are located at 2240 Del Monte Ave Monterey 93940. My number is 831-920-8216. GO TO DODIAUTO.COM for over 250 photos. And make sure to watch the video. *****Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable vehicle information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale.

The 1961 Porsche 356B: A Refined Icon of Sporty Elegance

The 1961 Porsche 356B represents a significant chapter in the storied history of the Porsche 356, a car that laid the foundation for the legendary Stuttgart marque. By this point, the 356 had undergone several evolutionary stages, and the 'B' iteration, introduced in late 1959 for the 1960 model year, brought a series of thoughtful refinements that enhanced both its aesthetics and its performance, solidifying its position as a desirable and capable sports car.

Design and Evolution:

The most immediately recognizable change from its predecessor, the 356A, is the redesign of the front end. The headlights were raised and now stood above the front valence, a move that not only improved visibility but also contributed to a more purposeful and imposing stance. The front turn signals were integrated into the headlight bezels, further cleaning up the overall design. The front bumper was also redesigned, featuring a more substantial, curved profile that offered better protection.

The side profile of the 356B remained quintessentially Porsche, characterized by its elegant, flowing lines, the signature cantilevered roofline (on coupes and hardtops), and the iconic teardrop tail lights. The wheel covers were often chrome-plated and featured the Porsche crest, adding a touch of premium detail. The rear featured a redesigned engine cover and a more integrated bumper.

The 1961 model year saw the 356B continuing with the well-established body styles:

  • Coupe: The classic closed coupe, offering a sporty yet practical experience.
  • Cabriolet: The open-top version, providing the full sensory joy of a classic sports car.
  • Roadster: An open-top variant with a chopped windshield and a minimal soft top, emphasizing a more focused, purist driving experience. (While the Roadster was technically available, it was less common than the Cabriolet in this period).
  • Karmann Hardtop: A fixed-head coupe with a pillarless greenhouse, offering the open-air feel of a convertible with the structural rigidity of a coupe.

Engine and Performance:

The heart of the 1961 356B remained the air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-four engine. For 1961, Porsche offered several engine variants, catering to different performance needs and budgets:

  • 1600: The standard engine, producing around 60 horsepower.
  • 1600 Super: An upgraded version of the 1600, offering increased power (typically around 75 horsepower) through higher compression and improved carburation.
  • 1600 Super 90: The most potent offering for the 356B, this engine, as the name suggests, produced approximately 90 horsepower. This was achieved through further tuning, including higher compression ratios and often dual Zenith carburetors.

These engines, coupled with the 356B's lightweight construction and excellent aerodynamic design, delivered a lively and engaging driving experience. While not a powerhouse by modern standards, the 356B was known for its nimble handling, precise steering, and the characteristic flat-four exhaust note. The transmission was a four-speed manual, renowned for its synchromesh and direct feel.

Interior and Comfort:

The interior of the 356B was a masterclass in functional simplicity and driver-centric design. The dashboard was uncluttered, dominated by the prominent central tachometer and speedometer, flanked by auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, fuel, and temperature. The steering wheel, often a three-spoke Nardi or a factory unit, provided a tactile connection to the road.

Seating was typically for two, with supportive bucket seats offering a comfortable perch for spirited driving. While space was at a premium, the interior was thoughtfully appointed with quality materials. Features like a fresh air ventilation system and optional Becker radios added to the creature comforts. Despite its sporty nature, the 356B was designed to be a usable car for touring.

Key Features and Innovations (1961 Model Year):

  • Revised Front-End Styling: Raised headlights and integrated turn signals.
  • Improved Chassis and Suspension: Refinements to the independent suspension provided even better handling and ride quality.
  • Disc Brakes: While not universally standard across all models from the outset of the B series, by 1961, disc brakes on the front (and increasingly on the rear) were becoming more common, significantly enhancing braking performance.
  • Larger Fuel Tank: An increase in fuel capacity for extended touring.
  • Refined Interior Appointments: Subtle improvements in materials and ergonomics.

Legacy and Collectibility:

The 1961 Porsche 356B stands as a testament to Porsche's early design philosophy and engineering prowess. It successfully evolved the original 356 formula, making it more aesthetically pleasing and dynamically capable. Today, the 356B is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its timeless design, engaging driving dynamics, and its status as a pivotal model in Porsche's lineage. It represents a beautiful blend of classic automotive artistry and sporting performance, a true icon that continues to captivate hearts and minds.

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Listed on March 9, 2026 (a month ago)
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This Used 1961 Porsche 356B is available for drivers in Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Castroville ...

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