Incredible Porsche 356B Garage Find : Reunited Original Owner After 62 Years!

Answers to questions several have asked: 1. Yes we are rebuilding the original numbers matching engine and will reunite it with the car this summer! 2. The car had 74,904 miles when we purchased. 3. The car is not for sale, it will stay in our family.

[@entropy2002]

Number 1 answered the question I was about to ask.

[@lionheartmerrill1069]

Phenomenal video. I'm a big time Porsche fan. Had a 1966 912 & a 1966 911 back in the 70's. Sure wish I could've kept them. I keep thinking I'll hit a lottery & get another 1. 😂😂😁

[@JohnS.McCallum]

😮😅

[@JohnS.McCallum]

😂

[@Jetfuture737]

They don’t make cars or ladies like this anymore. What an emotional story.

[@glenoh88]

Got to respect the little scratches, dings and dents in old things. There are usually memories attached to them. We treat cars nowadays like disposable tools…I’m not doing that anymore.

[@jschoenack]

I have little words, only feeling and emotion. Chris I’m so glad that you and Finn get to do this together. Thank you for sharing the process and story!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Love how much time you took with her on the drive in the car! She looked so happy to be riding in it again!

Thanks Nicole! There were many more stories and highlights, this is just a glimpse of what all Karen shared! Truly amazing!

[@johnboydTx]

Hope it's possible 🤞to see an episode of you in this car ☺️.. Since you run Porsche 🤔 you'll love it 🥰❤️. Happy Motoring ✌️🤠

[@charlesdonly776]

Chris and Finn (and family) are awesome, genuine and positive people. So cool that the car gets to stay in the area and the stories get documented. I first came home from the hospital in a 912 Targa in 1969… and still have a Porsche today. It is a family.. well said.

[@backnunAndy]

"she is in happy place..." that's so sweet!

[@brentandspencerfpv8097]

This is amazing being a Porsche builder out of Wisconsin… I wonder everyday “what’s in that garage”. This is proof that they’re still out there.. especially with the background of the car and the people … amazing

[@julianmcwey866]

My favorite car of all time

[@nygelmiller5293]

I've never seen the HARDTOP for these. It looks EVEN BETTER!

[@MT-kx2uc]

Classy lady and a beautiful car. You're living a dream being able to do this kindness for the original owner.

[@ImAcoastpedder]

What incredible memories you brought back to that nice lady. Cheers to you. Congratulations on a timeless classic too. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimzucker]

Wow this was an once in a lifetime opportunity !!! Congrats Chris ❤

[@followyourbliss973]

Nice job cleaning it up! You never said what you paid for it!✌😎

[@GrotrianSeiler]

If you have a chance to take her to a car show or cars and coffee this spring that would be priceless. She would be a huge celebrity. Great story.

Completely agree. We’re planning to bring the car back near her home to attend some shows this summer!

[@chadbailey7038]

The stories the previous owner had to tell, and the things she’s seen with this car… amazing! 👏🏾

[@markgreene7930]

What a heartwarming story Chris. Thank you for sharing this and for reuniting Karen with her car. And for sharing the experience with all of us who love Porsches.

Thank you Mark! I still pinch myself every time I get to drive Karen’s car!

[@wernerengel4919]

So glad this car is in your good hands. Hopefully your son like mine will eventually get to care for it.

What an amazing story! And you can be happy, that the owner still is alive and can tell all those stories. I‘m currently refurbishing a Bentley from 1953, which sat in a Garage in Switzerland for 35 years. In GB, it had only 3 owners up to 1988, before it came to Switzerland. But here, it was never on the streets. But all those British owners deceased. Just found in the internet, that the 2nd owner got a fine of 5 Ponds for driving too harsh with his Bentley. Third owner describes in a letter, that the daughter of second owner was a close friend of Princess Margaret before She married and that the car had visited many times Buckingham Palace. 😊 But you have it on video now, how the owner describes her baby! Phantastic!

[@nygelmiller5293]

To Brunovon etc. What a fantastic story, about the Bentley, that " visited" Buckingham palace!

[@royunderwood7514]

What an amazing car and story. You and your team really did an incredible job telling the story.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Her Answer to why she Ordered a Porsche was Classic , what a nice Woman

[@shanew.williams]

This vid brings back childhood memories. In 1967 i was 4 years old & my dad bought a Slate Grey w/Red leather interior 1961 Porsche 356B. My dad was a high ranking official at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville Alabama & he got the Porsche from a member of Werner Von Braun's German rocket team. When you showed the interior it brought back vivid memories of the smell (i loved) of the leather interior smell mixed faintly with gasoline. And i remember the under dash petcock for the "reserve" fuel tank. So many memories. Nothing like our trusty VW. The Porsche was a blast to ride in at speed ! Sadly, one night Dad backed over an exposed natural gas meter at a restaurant parking lot, cracking the magnesium crankcase. Rather than do an expensive engine replacement, Dad (grudgingly) sold the Porsche.

[@mehrajmohan173]

Beautiful aunt may God bless you

[@Amtcboy]

One of the best restorations, with the back story. Just wow!

[@woodrows]

Sweet and touching, both the story and the wonderful lady 👏👏👏

[@mikeroberts6631]

If only we had more men like yourself in this world. To go back and give the previous owner a ride after all those years, you could tell she loved that car. It was a big part of her life.

[@leonardoluc6362]

Lovely story about the 356 Porsche and the wonderful Lady

[@colinhead284]

Bringing back memories for her that may never have resurfaced if not for your work and care , and thoughtfulness

[@reginaldwilkins5112]

Enjoying the video and comments way over in Pasadena, CA. My father was a master mechanic and he helped my brother with his 914 1.8 I think. I was very young but remember it sitting in the driveway near Fort Ord, CA. It was yellow. Maybe I'll buy one one day in his memory.

[@blucheer8743]

Awesome father+son moments that brought back a tsunami of memories of similar moments with my dad… thank you so much! Cherish the moments ahead the memories will be with you a lifetime!

[@wolfparty4234]

Wow, what a great story!! Lori looks amazing for her age! My father is 83, lives in Florida and still gets around better than I do at 52. Just last month I called him and asked how are things going and he said he had to drop the fuel tank out of his Monte Carlo bc someone poked a hole in it while trying to steal it. I said dad!! Don’t do it by yourself! He giggles and says it’s fine, I’m almost done! 83😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@matthewehmka7095]

So glad it didn’t end up in Beverly Hills in some collection where it’s only looked at as dollar signs…the true love and passion both Karen and her husband had for the car…one thing i wish you mentioned in the video…HOW MANY ORIGINAL MILES ARE ON IT??? would love to know 😢

Thanks for the comment and the great question! When we found it the car had 74,904 miles! We put just under 1,000 miles on it this fall with our spare motor. My son will rebuild the original and we will install this summer.

[@pvdbxz3247]

Great! Stories like this are almost always lost along the way, and easily would have if the car went elsewhere. So nice to be able to reunite it with its original owner. Kudos!

[@siocnarf4337]

très belle histoire que celle de Karen et de sa 356. elle est en de bonnes mains à n'en pas douter

[@geneinman4488]

Very Exciting ! A Stock Baby , So much better than new or a complete restore.

[@FrankDriscoll-cv5ci]

Love this story back thru time - you should be proud to make this owner happy with her baby.

[@peterslater7791]

chris, what an amazing story. the history, and actually being able to share that with karen is just as incredible as the car itself. absolutely priceless. thanks for sharing, and as a father of a car-crazy 16-year old who i enjoy my car adventures with, i can totally appreciate how mega all of this has been to do with your son.

[@throughmyeyes9940]

she found a home in the right garage

[@eddylauterback1312]

Good story. When they said a buyer in Beverly Hills, I thought oh no! Jay Leno!!

It wasn’t Jay, I would have been ok with that!

[@Photoboy1948]

Wow. Just wow. Brings back so many memories of when I owned a ‘63 I bought when I was stationed in Athens, Greece.

[@johndeere1951a]

A 356 barn find - there is no story more exciting ‼️. Congratulations on your new baby. 356 - Excellence Is Expected. The perfect life for this unmolested, well preserved car. And the added bonus of its original co-driver here to reunite with it. It charged her battery beyond our belief. Blessings 💚

[@jimvanorsdol9338]

I love the story, Chris. In 1966 and 1967, I too, was stationed in Bremerhaven and while there became a fan of Porsche but had to wait a few years after returning home to purchase my first. It's nice to learn that there are still great finds like this one.

[@josephhunt2478]

ok I just cried - great story and a great car - great video thank you. I own two 914's 2.0 cars I love them

That’s awesome man! I actually had to sell my 1973 and 1975 2.0 914’s to purchase the 356! I really loved that 73, but it was worth the trade off!

[@jensnitsche4994]

Welch eine Geschichte 😲💪

[@KaiRoberts-q2r]

Great story, thanks for sharing this. My parents also bought a Porsche from factory in Stuttgart but in 1966. First year for the 911 long nose. It was Bahama yellow and my dad ordered Weber carbs as an extra. The car cost $6600 which was the same price as a Mercedes 300 gullwing at the time. They drove the car through, Germany, Italy, France and England where my dad was from. The car was shipped to US and my dad drove it regularly. He sold it in about 1972 for down payment on our first house. Many years later in the mid 80s my dad and I saw the car parked outside an NBA game in Portland where we lived. Had the same license plate and wasn't in as good of shape as my dad would've kept but there it was. All told my dad had 3 different 911s when I was growing up. Cheers!

[@rodperry5515]

Thank you Chris and Finn. And thank you Karen. A very special story

[@gmaltby708]

Perseverence pays off big time! Great job Chris.

[@merrittdegraw4313]

I was the proud owner of a 1957 356b way back when ! Oh those sounds are like music to my ears!

[@wasbruno]

My grandfather sold me his '62 356B for $400 in 1972. I was sixteen. A tree fell on the roof in '77 while I was a student at Clemson. Got it repaired and sold it. What a wonderful car. Would love to know if it's still on the road.

[@robertsuper7451]

Not a very big fan of a 356 but this gray color with red interior really changes my opinion of how these cars look. Awesome story guys. 😎😎😎

[@scottfiresign953]

Chris awesome story. I'm a big car guy and it's great to see that this car has gone to a great home or as you stated a custodian. The history and story of this car is really inspiring and I'm glad you were able to meet the original owner. The car has seen more of the world than most people ever will. It is really in amazing condition and just shows how it was loved and taken care of over 62 years. The car and I share the same birth year. Thanks for sharing this, specially the history that she shared with you. I still can't believe someone owned a car like that and never drove it. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@stevekolbow8622]

Wow! Great job documenting and preserving the car, keeping its physical history.

[@mattiasfagerlund]

A piece of history - well beyond cars. No shade om cars intended.

[@davidwoo8920]

Wonderful stories, so glad to see one of the old ones still driving about and with the original owner as well. I used to own a 1964 SC and the shifting and steering reminds me of how the sc used to drive. Such a pleasure to experience again, thanks for sharing.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

The still photographs in this episode are superb. Obviously the car’s fantastic. As a Porsche and Leica nut, I’d be grateful if you could let me know what camera and lens combination were using? Cheers from England, Marcus

[@ODIS-bp1ks]

These are special cars. Cars with great stories are absolutely the best to own and perpetuating the history of the car is a must. We are very lucky to have several 356 cars all of which have wonderful stories. We are thrilled to be the custodians of these remarkable cars. Love all of the content you share here. Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@projecthondarod]

Fun. What a wonderful thing to be a part of.

[@douglaskaye1395]

One of a kind. Hopefully you’ll be able to reinstall the original engine. Great story. Makes me feel happy you were able to have Karen back in her car.

[@jonbeatty7562]

Enjoyed the story and the path this car has taken. I'm jealous but glad it has a good home.

[@johanvandijk2941]

I am a Saab guy but the 356 for me is an amazing car and your video gave me goosebumps. Thanks you for sharing this amazingly beautiful story.

The funny thing is… A car that I actually was aware of and know it is still there… is just a few hundred yards from where we got this. It is a one owner 1962 Saab 96! Absolutely beautiful car! Thanks for watching Johan!

[@simonburns1799]

This story has really touched me. Karen's decision to choose a Porsche would have not been a usual choice at that time. Karen seems to be thoughtful and intelligent- well reflected by the car. Of all people to deserve looking after the car in its next phase, Chris is perfectly suited. This is a cracking car story.

[@RonCovell]

What a touching story!

Thanks Ron! Hope all is well and Happy New Year!

[@ChristieKnutsonBoeder]

Great story, great coverage and so fun to watch! thank you

[@michaelschneider-]

+1.. Priceless.! You Gent's did Ms. Karen proud, very proud.. Porsche 356 B Cabriolets and Gentlemen such as yourselves are rare.. BIG Boy Gentlemen.! Have a prosperous and healthy 2024.. Cheers, Vail, Colorado.. Re: Me: 1998 Carrera S (993) PCA member since 1980

[@lukewalker1051]

Incredible story. Fate. A lovely lady. Congrats, it found its rightful owner.

[@optechperformance1733]

Brilliant story Chris, brilliant video and what a wonderful find. Fantastic.

[@williamtromblay6795]

Great story, the car found the right home!

[@markallen8679]

This is what the automobile custodian hobby is all about, hearing and documenting her memories of the car and travels is the magic sauce that will encourage the Runge family and the rest of us to be grand stewards of these lovely works. Thank you for sharing the obvious joy of this encounter.

[@mwh3227]

Sweet lady! Beautiful story!

[@aaronredbaron]

This is amazing! I know where there is a one owner 1986 911 hiding in a garage, hasn't seen the light of day since 1991. Maybe someday the little old lady I know will be ready to sell it!

[@applecab123]

I’m so glad you’re the current owner, you really deserve such an item. Proud of your accomplishments. Best, Gregory

[@daweigo6851]

What a beautiful lady and a beautiful car, great story.

[@tvrduude]

Thank you for bringing us along as this gem starts another chapter and reminisces about the wonderful ones before. Such a once in a lifetime treat!

[@hobocatlawrence]

This is the BEST story I could have ended the year on and began 2024. I give you a high five, a hearty handshake, and a great big bear hug for this amazing accomplishment !! Amazing Christopher ~

[@eyesurgeon69]

"we got the smaller one (engine) because we figured we wouldn't use a bigger one" Good thing Rennlist didn't exist back then.

[@andreww8941]

What an amazing story! What an amazing suprise for her and for you guys to get to set all of this up and make it a reality. Bravo gentlemen and hell of an overall episode /channel!!! Most importantly what a beautiful thing to do for her.

[@spencerracine766]

I bought a 1956 356 in California in 1981. White outside red leather inside. I bought it from the original owner. While I was talking to him he told me he had another 356 that belonged to his wife. He told me it wasn’t running and had been parked for a long time. I asked to see it and wow. It was a 1955 356 silver speedster in great condition. I bought both cars for $12K. I drove the white 356 for 3 years before selling it. The speedster I kept for 4 years before selling it to buy a 1980 international COE. I didn’t make much off the sale back then but I often wonder what ever became of those cars. Of course they’re just 2 cars of the many I owned throughout the 60’s 70’s that became classic.

[@jaybokay6444]

What a lovely car and a even more lovely lady. Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

[@bogusienombre355]

This women clearly loves cars in general and specifically this one. I bet if she had got her license she would still have it. This women is far more sophisticated and smart than this interview portrayed. If someone would show some interest in her and the well traveled life she had, especially from the 1960's when very few traveled that extensively, her story would be fascinating. Nice of this channel to dig for car history, but you found two diamonds. Right now only one diamond is reguarded as valuable, in general society. Glad she will have the opportunity to share her stories at car events in the future. Hope someone will document her story more.

[@sabejreid2072]

Just super! Great, Fabulous design, very nice Lady and Chris has done a great job with Fin his Son. Just a lovely story.

[@michaelmerta8956]

This is an very touching story about the lady, yes we're all costodians we have.

[@graemelangford1974]

what an amazing story and thank you for sharing. I am very glad that you ended up with this wonderful little car and that you will be a great custodian of this 356. I own a 58A Coupe that I will never sell. As many 356 owners say. 356's have a habit of getting under your skin. Enjoy 🙂

[@geoffcline9593]

AMAZING in all aspects...the car, the stories, your skills and caring for the car and Lori, the video. Just remarkable! And my favorite color and model.

Thanks Geoff! agreed on the color combo, my favorite!

[@lee-johnson]

Great story and car! You should get copies of photos of them in Europe and USA with the car.

Karen is planning to go through all her slides and get them to us!

[@richardmccaughey5928]

Having owned a 1960 356B Roadster myself made this story even better!

[@cathrynm]

My father's 1962 356B still runs. Looks similar to this one. We seem to have more knobs on the dash board? Ours has a radio. And the back looks a little different, like maybe there are more grills underneath the luggage rack. (which ours also has)

[@Chappomusic]

Life is all about letting go.. but how beautiful those moments can be!

[@jimmymanan5997]

What a beautiful documentary. I can feel the lady’s longing for those beautiful 50s and 60s. Hope America will re experience again that golden era, together of course. ❤

[@MarcsGarage]

What was the reason 4 changing the original engine for a more powerful one? It has not been clear to me. The video rocks 🎸Chris.

There were a few engine options when they ordered the car. They went with the smaller displacement 1600 Normal which was in the car when we got it. Unfortunately that motor was stuck so we pulled it out and will rebuild it this spring/summer. I installed the 1883 Twin Plug motor I had here at the shop just so we could get the car on the road and meet Karen!

[@MarcsGarage]

@ but the final idea Chris is to install the original engine back to the car this spring ?

@@MarcsGarage yes it will go back into the car after rebuild👍🏻

[@davidbee8178]

a GREAT story about PEOPLE as well as a tale about a beautiful historic car full of memories :-) Congratulations to all !

[@edteach3r]

Awesome. This Porsche could not have found a better home. Real enthusiasts who love and value cars for what they are, not what they are worth in dollars.

[@jekutube9]

at the 17:58 mark, I think Karen meant just a ride around the parking lot, lol... yet we got a great road trip down memory lane! Nice episode Chris and Finn.

You are correct. After we drove around the lot a few times I asked her if it was ok to go down the road and she said “Sure, I just don’t want to hurt my baby”! Truly a delightful woman! Thanks for watching👍🏻👍🏻

[@connieschmitt7225]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. What a great find! Definitely a keeper.

Thank you Connie! Hope all is well in Florida!!

[@davehogye576]

Beautiful. Beautiful story and beautiful 356. Cheers.

[@pakko7416]

What a story! Excellent, congratulations to all!

[@watsonwatson8051]

I wanted the Porsche because the Sunbeam looked like a grasshopper 😅 Stunning ‘barn find’ and cool story you are now continuing…

[@jeffstewart7434]

Heartwarming. Thank you for bringing her such joy

[@ashley-tm1uk]

what an incredible story , car, and experience for you and your son! to be able to drive an untouched porsche that embodies the original essence of what made these cars so beloved must be so exciting. hats off to you brother!

[@Jonoponomono]

Great car, great owner/mommy, great story.

[@stuartstephens]

What a story. You wouldn't expect to find a car like that in that condition hidden away in a garage here in Minnesota. The original owner seems like a lovely lady.

Agreed, We thought for sure the pans would be gone but they're surprisingly solid. The only repair we had to make was knocking the rear pan back into shape as someone had raised the car on a two post lift using the pan as the jack point! Can't even see it now!

[@johna1160]

Lovely lady, terrific story. Can only imagine all the memories flooding back to Karen. As cool as that souped up engine is, hoping the original engine will be reunited with car once rebuilt.

My son will rebuild the original engine later this Spring and it will definitely return to its home!

[@michaelthomas366]

I remember my Dad's first Porsche-- it was a brand new 1966 912 that he sold his Corvette String Ray to get. I was 9 at the time and thought it was totally cool.

[@Mr10usdad]

Thank you for posting this wonderful video.