Devised by Porsche as the marque’s first production vehicle, the model enjoyed huge popular and sporting success from the moment of its 1948 launch. Nimble and lightweight, the 356’s design was based around Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche’s insight that “if you have enough power in a small car, it is nicer to drive than if you have a big car which is also overpowered. And it is more fun!”

By the time this Super 90 Coupé was built in 1963, Porsche had honed the model to perfection. The 356’s elegant design had already become iconic, attracting celebrities into ownership including Steve McQueen and Janis Joplin, while coachbuilder the Stuttgart coachbuilder, Reutter, had refined production down to a fine art. In 1959, the launch of the 356 B instigated improvements such as raised headlamps, an upgraded gearbox and brakes, redesigned rear seats, and a larger rear window—boosting comfort, handling and driveability.

With four-wheel independent suspension and a manual four-speed gearbox, the 356 B is a brilliantly engineered version of the model that set a high standard for Porsche’s earliest vehicles, later transcending to subsequent cars. That experience shows in the Super 90, which had the air-cooled, four-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine upgraded with a new intake manifold, larger twin carburettors, a higher compression ratio, and an improved crankshaft. While this car weighs well under a tonne, it sends 90 brake horsepower to the rear wheels: twice the power of the earliest 356s, and 30 brake horsepower more than the most elemental version of the 356 B.

Originally sold into the American market, this vehicle was imported to Jacksonville, Florida, by Brumos later acquired by its first owner—a Mr R. O. Rogers, residing at a naval air station in nearby Cecil Field. While the Porsche’s earlier history is yet to be uncovered, in 2020 it was purchased from New York by Norwegian restoration firm AH Classic Cars. The company has since spared no expense in refurbishing the car to the very highest standards, using period-correct parts.

The engine, gearbox, and running gear were completely rebuilt, while the colour scheme returned to its factory-correct Black over Black configuration—sporting a leatherette interior featuring armrests, folding rear seats, and coconut mats. The 356 features Porsche-badged chrome wheels and seatbelt buckles, a Blaupunkt radio, and the original toolkit.

Offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity issued in 2021, a copy of its factory Kardex sheet, and invoices detailing its restoration, the vehicle has been returned to the exact specifications and condition in which it made its first journey to Florida more than 60 years ago. To presentation of this car at auction represents a rare opportunity to own a 356 in the sought-after Super 90 configuration.