Description
Porsche’s Type 356, introduced in 1948, and is acknowledged to be one of the world’s great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminium-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46hp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-litre four-cam boxer Carrera engine of 130 horsepower. Its development brought not only coupes, but luxurious cabriolets and more spartan speedsters and roadsters. More than 76,000 examples were made in all by the time production ceased in 1965.
The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design’s progression. In what is known as “T5” form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fend- ers of the 356A series.
The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded.
A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. The mid-1962 356 B model was changed to the “T6” body type (twin engine lid grilles, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window in the coupé).
With just three owners from new, this wonderful 356 B cabriolet is showing 29,500km recorded on the odometer and has clearly been cherished throughout its lifetime. The first owner held the car for over 40 years and prior to sale we are informed that the car received a comprehensive restoration. The third and current owner bought chassis #157767 in 2012 and informs us that a program of maintenance and mechanical refurbishment has been carried out costing approximately €30,000. This wonderful 356 B, the penultimate Reutter Convertible of that year, also benefits from being fitted with the more powerful Super 90 engine offering brisk performance and an exhilarating drive. A condition report from December 2016 confirms the car as grade 2 and benefits from being offered in the original colour scheme. The car comes with Porsche COA, German registration and valid TUV and would be an enviable addition to any serious collection.
