The Club’s 356B Coupé, affectionately known as ‘Robin Hood’, was generously donated by Porsche Cars GB. Originally purchased brand new in 1960 by Mr Robin Hood – one of the Club’s earliest Members – the car was supplied by AFN Ltd in Isleworth for the princely sum of £2,077 5s 6d.
Robin cherished the car for nearly three decades before part-exchanging it in 1987 for a Volkswagen Golf, at which point AFN repurchased it for £7,615.
An accomplished magician by profession, Robin used the 356 as everyday transport and was an enthusiastic participant in many Porsche Club GB events. His pride and joy achieved notable success, including victory in the 1968 Concours at Shellingford, the home of Betty Haig of the Haig whisky family. Betty, renowned for her rallying exploits and appearances at Le Mans, was a passionate supporter of the Club in its formative years. The event was later recorded in the Club’s 25th Anniversary book, published in 1986.
Robin and his 356 were featured in a customer profile in AFN’s March 1985 newsletter, followed by a feature in Supercar Classic magazine in June 1988. The article compared three cars from different eras supplied by AFN from their Falcon Works premises in Isleworth, Middlesex: a 1948 Frazer Nash Fast Tourer, a chain-gang Super Sport, and the Porsche 356B. (AFN today trades as Porsche West London.)
After AFN reacquired the car, its future remained uncertain and it spent several years at Porsche Cars in Reading. During discussions with the then Managing Director of Porsche Cars GB, Andy Goss, it was agreed that ownership would be transferred to the Club on the understanding that we would undertake its restoration. This arrangement was formalised in the Contract of Cooperation between the Club and Porsche Cars GB.
The official presentation took place in 2003 at the 356 International Meeting, during a stopover at Beaulieu, and was made by Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu. Although the Club had use of the car from 2003, formal ownership transferred in late 2011.
Following an interim body restoration and repaint in 2011, the Board agreed in 2012 to proceed with further restoration work. This included underbody refurbishment and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul of the engine, gearbox and running gear to return the car to full, usable condition.
The Club was extremely fortunate to receive invaluable support from respected specialists including Andy Prill and Lee Maxted-Page, Terry Allen of Curves Bodywork Specialists Ltd, and Roger Bray of Roger Bray Restorations, along with several other generous suppliers.
Today, ‘Robin Hood’ is a familiar sight to many members. Frequently displayed at national events across the country, ALB 223A remains one of the Club’s most cherished assets. Still in full working order and exercised regularly to maintain its condition, the 356B continues to be enjoyed by members old and new.
If you see ALB 223A at one of our events, do take a moment to look a little closer at this remarkable piece of Club history.
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