1961 Porsche 356 Coupe

1961 Porsche 356B Super90 “GT Tribute”

5,445 miles since full restoration | 125 horsepower | 1883cc | GT Details Throughout

Restored from the ground up by noted Southern California restorer Tony Smetona, this 1961 Porsche 356B Super90 has been transformed into a true driver’s car—built as a tribute to the factory GTs with thoughtfully executed upgrades and performance that far exceeds its original spec.

Smetona discovered the car stored beside a home in San Clemente and stepped in to save it, intending to restore it immediately. Life intervened—marriage, a new home, and family delayed the project—but the car remained with him for nearly two decades until he began the restoration in 2007. Over the course of two years, the 356 was completely disassembled, stripped to bare metal, refinished in its correct Ruby Red, and meticulously reimagined as a GT-style build.

The original 1600cc Super90 engine was completely reworked and enlarged to 1883cc with a bespoke set of performance components: custom JE pistons, ported heads, stainless steel valves, chromoly pushrods, SC rods and crankshaft, and Solex carburetors modified to 43mm. A modified OEM exhaust completes the package, resulting in a robust 125 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 117 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm—well above the stock 90 hp rating.

A modified transmission with longer 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears and a late-model differential complement the added power, providing improved drivability and cruising capabilities.

GT-style features include:

Plexiglass side and rear windows

GT-style seats with black leather and cloth inserts

Matching GT-style lap belts

Center hood fill cap

GT headlight covers

Roll bar

GT-style wheels with Pirelli tires

Since its completion, the car has traveled just 5,445 miles. It changed hands in 2012 and again in 2014, before we acquired it directly from Bruce Canepa. Since then, it has been part of our private collection in Florida, stored in a climate-controlled facility and serviced regularly.

The majority of the mileage was accumulated by the previous owner during notable long-distance rallies such as the Colorado Grand and Copperstate 1000, underscoring its reliability and performance. The car remains in exceptional condition both cosmetically and mechanically—an ideal combination of show-level presentation and rally-ready engineering.

Now available through Classic Motors in Miami, this 356 Super90 GT Tribute is a standout example built to drive and enjoy—whether on your favorite backroad or your next thousand-mile tour.